‘He drives the team’: Postecoglou now told his £25M Tottenham player is becoming a real ‘leader’

Tottenham Hotspur’s players have departed for international duty following a frustrating 2-1 loss to Newcastle United. With the season just underway, this early break in September comes at a challenging time for the club. Ange Postecoglou, the Spurs manager, might have preferred to keep his players at the training ground, refining tactics after a promising yet disappointing display. Instead, he is left to monitor his squad from afar, nervously awaiting updates on potential injuries ahead of the highly anticipated North London derby against Arsenal.

The September international break always brings a sense of frustration for clubs like Tottenham. With only three games into the new Premier League season, Spurs have experienced both highs and lows under new manager Ange Postecoglou. Sunday’s defeat to Newcastle was particularly disheartening, as Tottenham dominated possession but failed to capitalize on their chances, leaving Postecoglou with much to ponder.

The timing of the international break has interrupted any potential momentum Spurs were hoping to build. Instead of working closely with his squad to address key issues from the defeat, Postecoglou must wait for his players to return from their national teams. The looming North London derby against Arsenal adds to the tension, as Postecoglou will be hoping that none of his key players suffer injuries while away on international duty.

One Tottenham player who is making headlines for the right reasons during the international break is Dejan Kulusevski. The 24-year-old winger has been selected to captain Sweden in their upcoming games against Azerbaijan and Estonia. Although Kulusevski already boasts an impressive 39 caps for his country, this new responsibility marks a significant milestone in his career.

Swedish left-back Ludwig Augustinsson, speaking to TV4, praised Kulusevski’s leadership qualities, noting that the Tottenham star has become a key figure in the dressing room. Augustinsson described Kulusevski as a “pusher,” someone who constantly drives the team forward both on and off the pitch. He highlighted how Kulusevski has grown more outgoing and open, traits that have made his appointment as captain feel like a natural progression.

“He has natural leadership qualities. He is a pusher. He wants to move forward, he takes the initiative. He drives the team on the pitch and more and more in the dressing room,” said Augustinsson. “He is much more open and outgoing than before. He is growing more and more into a leader and he has a lot of experience at the highest level. It feels natural that it is he who takes the armband.”

Kulusevski’s new role as captain for Sweden demonstrates his development as both a player and a leader, which could serve him well when he returns to Tottenham.

Despite Kulusevski’s emergence as a leader for Sweden, his role at Tottenham under Ange Postecoglou remains somewhat ambiguous. Signed as a right-winger in a £25 million deal, as reported by BBC Sport, Kulusevski possesses creativity and technical ability but lacks the raw speed typically favored by Postecoglou for wide positions.

The Australian manager’s preference for pacy wingers led to the acquisitions of Brennan Johnson, Timo Werner, and Wilson Odobert, all of whom offer the kind of blistering pace Kulusevski does not.

As a result, Postecoglou has experimented with pushing Kulusevski infield, utilizing him as an attacking midfielder. While this shift could suit the Swedish international’s strengths, it creates a dilemma when it comes to team selection.

With James Maddison thriving in the central playmaker role, there may not always be room for both players in the starting XI. If forced to choose, Postecoglou is more likely to opt for Maddison, leaving Kulusevski’s long-term role in question.

During pre-season, Kulusevski showed promise when deployed as a false nine. However, Tottenham’s recent signing of Dominic Solanke suggests that the club does not see Kulusevski as a permanent solution in that position either.

While Kulusevski continues to evolve as a leader on the international stage, his future at Tottenham remains unclear. His talent is undeniable, and he has shown flashes of brilliance during his time in North London. However, the tactical demands of Postecoglou’s system may require Kulusevski to further adapt if he is to secure a consistent place in the starting lineup.

What is certain is that Kulusevski’s growth as a leader for Sweden could have a positive impact on his club career. His experience captaining his national team could bolster his confidence and influence within the Spurs squad. If he can continue to develop under Postecoglou’s guidance, Kulusevski may yet carve out a vital role in Tottenham’s future.

Dejan Kulusevski’s rise to captaincy for Sweden marks a significant achievement in his career, highlighting his leadership qualities and growing influence on the pitch. However, his role at Tottenham Hotspur remains uncertain under Ange Postecoglou’s new system. As Spurs continue to evolve under their new manager, Kulusevski’s ability to adapt will be crucial in determining his long-term future at the club. While his leadership skills shine on the international stage, his journey at Tottenham is still unfolding.