Dejan Kulusevski claims most ‘underrated’ Tottenham player is someone who Postecoglou has played just twice
Dejan Kulusevski recently revealed his opinion on Tottenham Hotspur’s most underrated player, naming one of the club’s emerging talents. With Ange Postecoglou shaping an exciting squad filled with young prospects, several players have shown great promise while waiting for their opportunities.
Kulusevski highlighted the immense potential within the squad and singled out Dane Scarlett, a 20-year-old forward, as the most underappreciated player at the club.
During an interview with Fubo, Kulusevski emphasized the depth of talent in Tottenham’s ranks but pointed out that Scarlett stands out as a hidden gem. He remarked, “Let’s see… Everybody is getting their praise, so it’s hard to pick someone not getting their praise. I think there are a lot of young players, so I can say Dane Scarlett.” Despite limited appearances this season, Scarlett’s quality hasn’t gone unnoticed by his teammates or coaching staff.
Since returning from a loan spell at Oxford United, Scarlett has struggled for consistent playing time under Postecoglou, making just two appearances off the bench.
However, one of those moments proved pivotal as he scored a decisive goal against IF Elfsborg in the Europa League. His strike secured Tottenham’s place in the top eight of the group stage, showcasing his knack for delivering in critical situations.
In addition, Scarlett earned a brief appearance in the Premier League against Brentford, but for the most part, he has had to bide his time in North London.
The debate over whether Scarlett deserves more opportunities at Tottenham continues. His loan spell at Oxford United ended prematurely, partly due to a lack of game time.
In his last nine Championship matches with Oxford, he started just twice, which hindered his development. Despite limited minutes, his overall stats for the season reflect potential. Scarlett has made 24 appearances across all competitions, scoring five goals and providing two assists.
His contributions include one goal and one assist in the Europa League and another assist in the FA Cup, demonstrating his ability to make an impact in crucial moments.
Initially, there were expectations that Scarlett would be sent on loan again to gain more regular playing time. However, his Europa League performance and strong displays in training convinced Postecoglou to keep him as part of the squad.
With Richarlison recovering from an injury and Dominic Solanke dealing with a knee issue, Scarlett’s presence added depth to Tottenham’s attacking options. Yet, the arrival of Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich has further reduced his chances of featuring prominently for the remainder of the season.
Scarlett’s current situation echoes the early career struggles of Harry Kane, as Peter Crouch recently reminded the young striker. Kane faced several challenging loan spells before eventually establishing himself as a Tottenham legend.
Crouch’s advice serves as a reminder that development often requires patience and perseverance, especially for young players trying to break into a competitive first team.
While Scarlett’s opportunities have been limited, his potential remains evident. His ability to contribute in key moments and the praise from teammates like Kulusevski suggest that he has the talent to make a significant impact in the future.
For now, Scarlett must focus on making the most of his chances when they come, continuing to impress in training, and drawing inspiration from the career paths of those who have walked a similar road before him.