Ange can solve Kulusevski blow by unleashing “generational” Spurs star in a new role – opinion
Few could have predicted the extent of Tottenham Hotspur’s struggles this season, with injuries derailing what promised to be a promising campaign under Ange Postecoglou.
While the team’s performances have often fallen short of expectations, the sheer volume and severity of injuries cannot be overlooked.
The latest blow—Dejan Kulusevski’s season-ending knee surgery—has left Spurs scrambling for solutions ahead of their final Premier League game and the Europa League final.
A Season Defined by Setbacks
Tottenham’s injury woes have forced Postecoglou into unprecedented squad rotations, with players frequently deployed out of position. Take 18-year-old Archie Gray, for example—a midfielder by trade who has been thrust into defensive roles out of necessity. This season alone, he has made:
- 19 appearances at center-back
- 9 at right-back
- 5 at left-back
Such makeshift adjustments highlight the lack of depth in key areas, and the situation has only worsened with Kulusevski’s latest setback.
Kulusevski’s Untimely Absence
In what now appears to be a costly gamble, Postecoglou started Kulusevski against Crystal Palace, hoping to reignite the Swede’s early-season form.
Instead, the decision backfired spectacularly—just 19 minutes in, Kulusevski limped off with a knee injury. Initial reassurances from the manager downplayed the severity, but scans later revealed damage to his right patella, requiring immediate surgery and ruling him out for the remainder of the season.
With James Maddison also sidelined, Tottenham now face an alarming shortage of creative midfielders. The absence of both players leaves a gaping hole in the No. 10 role, forcing Postecoglou to explore unconventional alternatives.
While some fans may advocate for resting key players ahead of the Europa League final, Postecoglou cannot afford to field a weakened side. Maintaining momentum is crucial, and one player who could step into the void is Mathys Tel, the young French forward on loan from Bayern Munich.
Though primarily a winger or striker, Tel possesses the technical qualities to operate as an attacking midfielder. His underlying statistics from last season’s Bundesliga campaign suggest he could thrive in a creative role:
| Statistic | Per 90 | Percentile Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Goal-Creating Actions | 1.11 | Top 1% |
| Goals + Assists | 1.03 | Top 2% |
| Medium Pass Completion | 86.5% | Top 2% |
| Long Pass Completion | 72.0% | Top 4% |
| Shots on Target | 1.54 | Top 4% |
| Carries into Penalty Area | 2.66 | Top 6% |
| Assists | 0.43 | Top 9% |
Data via FBref
Tel’s profile draws comparisons to Germany’s elite playmakers—FBref lists Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala among his closest stylistic matches. If Postecoglou pairs him with Dominic Solanke up front, Tel could function as a second striker, drifting into pockets of space and unsettling Manchester United’s defense.
No Perfect Fix, But a Risk Worth Taking
There are no foolproof solutions to Tottenham’s injury crisis, but Tel represents an intriguing wildcard. His creativity, movement, and versatility make him a viable candidate for the No. 10 role—even if it’s an unorthodox experiment.
Postecoglou must now decide whether to test this setup in the final league game, using it as a trial run for the Europa League final. If successful, Tel could provide the spark Spurs desperately need in Kulusevski’s absence.
If not, the Australian manager will have to rely on sheer tactical ingenuity to salvage what has been a grueling season.
One thing is certain: Tottenham’s injury misfortune has forced them into uncharted territory. How Postecoglou navigates these challenges could define not just their season’s end, but the early trajectory of his tenure.