Key player should be added to Tottenham’s leadership group – opinion
Tottenham midfielder, Dejan Kulusevski, has hit a rich vein of form garnering high praise for his performances in the Premier League. If he can maintain it, he will surely find himself amongst the most influential players at the club soon.
Kulusevski earning recognition…again
When he arrived from Juventus, Dejan Kulusevski hit a run of form which astonished many fans. While he was appreciated as a youth player in Serie A, Kulusevski hit the ground running in the Premier League. He contributed 5 goals and 8 assists in his first 18 games, helping Antonio Conte’s Tottenham claim 4th place and quickly established himself as a bonafide Premier League forward.
In the two full seasons that followed, Kulusevski never quite hit that same kind of form. Conte’s project imploded and during Ange Postecoglou’s first season, in spite of Kulusevski playing 36 Premier League games, questions were raised as to whether Kulusevski could fit into this new Tottenham system. Not quite fitting in the profile of winger Ange usually prefers, some wondered whether Kulusevski had a future at Spurs.
Those doubts, however, have proven to be short-lived. Kulusevski has rediscovered his best self playing as a hybrid number 8/10 and has seemingly solved issues with Tottenham’s press and attacking connectivity. This form was rewarded with Kulusevski being named captain of the Swedish National team during the September International break.
Having performed consistently well since then with a great performance against Manchester United and a Player of the Match performance against West Ham, it begs the question of whether Kulusevski deserves recognition for his leadership skills at club level as well.
Could Kulusevski be another captain at Tottenham?
Tottenham’s leadership group is a shifting force at the moment. Postecoglou praised Guglielmo Vicario’s growth on and off the field after Tottenham’s Europa League opener against Qarabag, where Vicario was given the opportunity to wear the captain’s armband. Additionally, in the aftermath of Spurs’ victory against AZ Alkmaar, James Maddison’s on-field leadership was praised.
Having now captained his national team side and cemented himself once again within the Tottenham starting XI, it feels like Kulusevski belongs amongst that group. Even though he is only 24, Kulusevski has been a mainstay of the Tottenham squad for two-and-a-half years. Out of the current squad, only Son Heung-min and Ben Davies have more appearances for Tottenham.
More than appearances, Kulusevski embodies the intent that Postecoglou wants from his players. It is essential for a manager to have leaders on the pitch who encourage the team to play in their style. Kulusevski’s relentless running, ensuring the team maintain their press and a constant will to attack makes him invaluable.
If not now, then certainly in the future
It is fair to point out that Tottenham have a plethora of leadership candidates in the squad. Son is more than just a club captain, being the face of the club. Romero and Maddison are both older than Kulusevski with experience of being key members of trophy-winning sides. Vicario demonstrating his qualities in this regard is always a benefit, especially having a generally young group of defenders who may at times need his vocal organisation.
However, Kulusevski is certainly showing that he is ready to contribute when needed. Even if it is not for another season or so, it is a testament to the growing mentality of this Tottenham side that they have so many players ready to lead on and off the pitch.
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