“I’m Very Sad” – Tottenham Star Man Lament Furiously Comments Suggests He Did Not Enjoy Playing In New Role Vs Newcastle
Dejan Kulusevski, typically known for his versatility in midfield and wing positions, found himself in a new role as a striker during Tottenham Hotspur’s recent 2-1 defeat against Newcastle United.
With both Dominic Solanke and Richarlison unavailable, Kulusevski was tasked with leading the line, a challenge that tested his adaptability on the pitch.
Speaking to Football London after the match, Kulusevski opened up about the experience of playing as the main forward. The Swedish international acknowledged the difficulty of stepping into a position that doesn’t come naturally to him. Although he made efforts to adapt, Kulusevski admitted that the role required adjustments that took him out of his comfort zone.
“It was different, of course, it’s different,” Kulusevski said, reflecting on his time up front.
During the match, Kulusevski expressed his frustration with Tottenham’s inability to capitalize on key opportunities. Despite having several chances to secure a win, the team struggled to make decisive passes and decisions in the box, which ultimately cost them the game.
One of the key takeaways from Kulusevski’s performance as a striker was the team’s struggle with decision-making in the final third. Despite dominating possession, especially in the second half when Kulusevski returned to his more familiar midfield role, Tottenham failed to convert their chances into goals. This inefficiency in front of goal was a significant factor in their loss to Newcastle.
Kulusevski highlighted the importance of sharpness and precision in the final passes and decisions, something that was lacking in this match. His comments reflect a broader issue that Tottenham will need to address as they continue their campaign.
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou had previously experimented with Kulusevski as a striker during pre-season, where the 24-year-old impressed by scoring twice against Bayern Munich.
However, Postecoglou made it clear that Kulusevski’s shift to a striker role was a temporary solution due to the absence of Solanke and Richarlison.
Postecoglou emphasized that the acquisition of Dominic Solanke was specifically to provide Tottenham with a natural striker capable of leading the line.
With Solanke and Richarlison back in the squad, Kulusevski is expected to return to his preferred positions in attacking midfield or on the wing, where his skills can be fully utilized.
Despite the defeat at Newcastle, Kulusevski’s ability to adapt to different roles has been a valuable asset for Tottenham. His versatility was on display during Tottenham’s 4-0 victory over Everton, where he once again played as a forward and performed admirably. This flexibility makes Kulusevski an essential player for Postecoglou, capable of filling gaps in the squad when needed.
However, as the season progresses, it’s clear that Kulusevski’s strengths lie in his traditional attacking roles. His creativity, vision, and ability to break down defenses are best showcased when he operates from the midfield or the wing, where he can influence the game more naturally.
Dejan Kulusevski’s stint as a striker highlighted both his adaptability and the challenges of playing out of position. While his performance against Newcastle showed promise, it also underscored the importance of having a natural striker to lead the line.
With Solanke and Richarlison’s return to full fitness, Kulusevski will likely revert to his more familiar roles, where his talents can shine brightest.
As Tottenham continues their season, Kulusevski’s ability to step up when needed will remain crucial. However, for Spurs to maximize their attacking potential, positioning Kulusevski in his natural roles will be key to unlocking his full potential and ensuring the team’s success.
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