Just like Kulusevski: Spurs’ “unbelievable” 8/10 diamond has made himself undroppable

Tottenham Hotspur may not hold the title of the best team in the Premier League, but they are undeniably the most entertaining. Ange Postecoglou’s side reaffirmed this reputation in a thrilling League Cup match against Manchester United, narrowly securing a 4-3 victory after nearly surrendering a 3-0 lead.

While there were some concerning performances, notably from Fraser Forster in goal, several players justified their spots in the starting lineup. Among them, two names stood out: Dejan Kulusevski and Djed Spence, both of whom are rapidly becoming indispensable to the team.

Kulusevski has proven his importance to Spurs with standout performances throughout the season. Despite this campaign exposing certain players as falling short of the level required for sustained success, Kulusevski has consistently delivered.

Starting the season in remarkable form, the “world-class” talent, as described by scout Jacek Kulig, has continued to impress. His stats before the match against Manchester United were already outstanding, with five goals and seven assists in 24 appearances.

Adding to his tally during the United match, Kulusevski now boasts an average of one goal involvement every 1.92 games. Beyond his goal-scoring contributions, his all-around play was pivotal, earning him an 8/10 rating from Football.london’s Alasdair Gold.

This latest display solidified his status as an essential component of the team. Yet, Kulusevski is no longer the only undroppable player in this Tottenham side, with Djed Spence emerging as another vital figure.

Spence’s journey at Spurs has taken a remarkable turn in recent weeks. Initially sidelined and excluded from the Europa League squad earlier this year, his resurgence began with a stellar performance against Southampton.

Making his first start of the campaign, Spence not only helped secure a clean sheet but also provided an assist. Against Manchester United, he built on this momentum, adding another assist while showcasing his defensive capabilities.

The versatile defender, who has been praised by Ian Wright as an “unbelievable” talent, received significant recognition for his contributions. Awarded an 8/10 rating by Football.london, Spence was lauded as a “constant option down the left,” highlighting his ability to excel on either flank.

This versatility is particularly valuable for Spurs, given the inconsistent performances of Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie this season. Spence’s recent form suggests he has become the most reliable full-back at the club.

Spence’s ability to deliver both offensively and defensively has positioned him as a crucial player for Tottenham. His assist to Dominic Solanke against Manchester United exemplified his attacking quality, with a perfectly weighted lofted ball that led to a stunning finish. Defensively, he has provided stability, filling gaps left by underperforming or injured teammates.

Son Heung-min and Dominic Solanke received their fair share of accolades following the United game, but Spence’s contributions did not go unnoticed. Postecoglou praised his efforts, emphasizing the defender’s growth and the team’s resilience during challenging circumstances. The manager acknowledged the learning opportunities from the game while remaining steadfast in his commitment to the team’s attacking philosophy.

Ultimately, the rise of players like Kulusevski and Spence signals a promising future for Tottenham. Both have demonstrated exceptional form and adaptability, earning their places as undroppable members of the squad.

While Kulusevski continues to shine as a creative and goal-scoring force, Spence’s resurgence has bolstered the team’s defensive and attacking options. Together, they represent the kind of talent and determination needed to drive Spurs forward in their quest for silverware this season.