Ange to forget Kulusevski totally tonight by unleashing Spurs teenager who’s the club future captain
Tottenham Hotspur have managed to turn their season around after a challenging start that saw them drop points against Leicester City, Newcastle United, and Arsenal.
Under the guidance of manager Ange Postecoglou, the team has now secured four consecutive wins. With a relatively favorable Europa League match against Ferencvárosi TC tonight, Spurs have a great opportunity to extend their winning streak to five.
However, with a busy schedule ahead and an international break looming, Postecoglou must make adjustments to his squad, and that includes resting the in-form Dejan Kulusevski.
Though Kulusevski has been pivotal for Spurs, it makes strategic sense to give him a breather tonight. The Swedish midfielder has rejuvenated his form after a mediocre season last year, contributing one goal and two assists in eight appearances.
His performance against Manchester United, where he helped Tottenham dominate at Old Trafford and became the first away player in 20 years to create nine or more chances in a single game, solidified his importance to the team.
Despite his recent stellar form, tonight’s match presents an opportunity to rest Kulusevski while maintaining a competitive edge.
Kulusevski’s Recent Stats
| Games Played | Goals | Assists | Chances Created in Last Game |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 1 | 2 | 9 |
Postecoglou’s squad depth allows for younger talents to step up in such situations. One standout candidate to replace Kulusevski tonight is Lucas Bergvall, an 18-year-old Swedish prospect with exceptional potential.
Bergvall had an unfortunate Europa League experience last week when he was substituted early due to Radu Dragusin’s red card, which forced a tactical shift to stabilize the defense. However, his misfortune shouldn’t overshadow his talent and readiness to impress.
Despite his young age, Bergvall has already gathered considerable first-team experience. Last season, he played 19 games for Swedish club Djurgården, scoring six goals and providing five assists.
This impressive contribution came at a time when he was only 17 years old. Analyst Ben Mattinson has even called Bergvall a future “captain” and praised his “super creative” style. His ability to be directly involved in a goal every 1.72 games reflects his readiness for the challenge tonight.
Bergvall’s 2023/24 Season Stats
| Appearances | Goals | Assists | Goal Involvements per Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19 | 6 | 5 | 0.57 |
Starting Bergvall against Ferencvárosi TC not only allows Postecoglou to rest Kulusevski but also gives the young midfielder a chance to gain valuable experience on the European stage.
Given the lower level of opposition compared to Premier League teams, this is a strategic opportunity to rotate the squad without compromising the team’s performance.
Tottenham have a packed fixture list ahead, and the international break won’t offer much relief for key players, making it crucial to manage their workload efficiently.
Ultimately, resting Kulusevski for this match is the smart move. The opposition tonight, while competitive, is not of Premier League caliber, and Bergvall’s raw talent and potential make him an ideal choice to step in. Tottenham can ensure they continue their winning momentum while preserving their key players for more demanding fixtures.
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