Kulusevski 2.0: Spurs target “wonderful” Maddison upgrade in unreal £40M “diamond”
Tottenham Hotspur’s current season has mirrored last year’s in many ways, delivering an emotional rollercoaster for their loyal supporters. At times, the North London side appears unstoppable, dismantling opponents like reigning Premier League champions with dominant performances.
Yet, they have also faltered in seemingly straightforward matches, such as their unexpected home loss to winless Ipswich Town. Under Ange Postecoglou, Spurs have become one of the league’s most entertaining teams, but inconsistency remains their Achilles’ heel.
Despite these struggles, the team’s fortunes have been bolstered by the brilliance of Dejan Kulusevski, whose performances have often been pivotal.
Recent reports suggest Spurs are targeting another potential game-changer: Belgian playmaker Charles De Ketelaere. This news has sparked excitement among fans, as De Ketelaere could follow a similar trajectory to Kulusevski and even surpass James Maddison in terms of impact on the team.
The Atalanta star is reportedly valued at just £40 million, a price that could prove to be a steal given his talent. While Tottenham faces competition from other top-flight clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City, securing his signature could be transformative.
De Ketelaere shares several parallels with Kulusevski. Both players transitioned from Serie A, with Kulusevski arriving from Juventus in 2022. Like the Swedish international, the Belgian star is a versatile attacker capable of operating in multiple roles, from center-forward to the wings and midfield.
De Ketelaere also possesses an electrifying playing style that excites fans, featuring dazzling skills, precision passing, and clutch goals. His ability to captivate audiences aligns with Tottenham’s desire to maintain their status as one of the league’s most entertaining sides.
Statistically, De Ketelaere has outshone Maddison this season, which strengthens the case for his arrival. In 23 appearances for Atalanta, the 23-year-old has scored eight goals and provided nine assists, resulting in a remarkable goal involvement every 86.41 minutes.
Maddison, while undoubtedly talented, has recorded seven goals and five assists in the same number of games, equating to a goal involvement every 117.91 minutes.
Performance Comparison: De Ketelaere vs. Maddison
| Player | De Ketelaere | Maddison |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 23 | 23 |
| Minutes Played | 1,469′ | 1,415′ |
| Goals | 8 | 7 |
| Assists | 9 | 5 |
| Goal Involvements/Match | 0.73 | 0.52 |
| Minutes/Goal Involvement | 86.41′ | 117.91′ |
Beyond his superior statistics, De Ketelaere offers greater reliability. Over his career, the Belgian has demonstrated remarkable durability, with his most significant injury keeping him out for just ten matches in a single season.
Maddison, by contrast, has struggled with fitness issues that have occasionally disrupted his form and availability. This durability could make De Ketelaere a more dependable option for Postecoglou as he seeks to build a squad capable of sustaining success.
De Ketelaere’s potential arrival could also rejuvenate Tottenham’s attacking midfield. Maddison, while immensely talented, has faced challenges in maintaining consistency, and De Ketelaere’s creativity and flair might provide the spark needed to elevate the team’s performances.
Additionally, his valuation of £40 million appears reasonable given the current market, making him an attractive prospect for Daniel Levy and Tottenham’s board.
If Spurs can outmaneuver rival clubs and secure De Ketelaere, his impact could mirror or even surpass that of Kulusevski. The Belgian’s ability to influence games, coupled with his versatility and resilience, would strengthen Tottenham’s squad significantly.
His addition could address the team’s ongoing issues with consistency, providing Postecoglou with a player capable of turning matches in their favor. While Maddison remains an exceptional talent, De Ketelaere’s potential to elevate the team suggests he would be a wise investment for Tottenham’s ambitions.