‘He has taken over completely’: National media amazed by 26yr old Tottenham ace after international display
Dejan Kulusevski returns to Tottenham this week riding a wave of confidence after a successful international break with Sweden.
The 24-year-old midfielder played a pivotal role in Sweden’s victories, helping them secure a 3-0 win over Estonia in the UEFA Nations League just days after captaining his team to a 3-1 triumph against Azerbaijan.
This strong form is sure to bolster his chances of maintaining a spot in Ange Postecoglou’s starting XI as Tottenham prepares for the high-stakes North London derby against Arsenal.
Kulusevski’s recent performances highlight his growing influence on the pitch, both for his national team and at Spurs.
During the match against Estonia, he played the full 90 minutes, contributing to a solid team performance that saw Viktor Gyökeres score twice and Alexander Isak of Newcastle United also find the back of the net.
These results are a promising sign for Sweden, who have struggled to qualify for major tournaments in recent years but now boast a wealth of attacking talent.
Despite the comfortable win, Swedish outlet Svenskafans rated Kulusevski’s performance a three out of five.
While not a perfect score, the £25 million Tottenham star was praised for his attacking threat, with the publication noting his ability to dribble, pass, and create opportunities.
The commentary suggested that Kulusevski is beginning to establish himself as Sweden’s primary playmaker, particularly in matches where his team dominates possession.
Tottenham vs Arsenal
This newfound form could be crucial for Tottenham as they face off against Arsenal, a match that carries significant weight for both teams.
The North London derby is not just about local bragging rights; it’s a test of Tottenham’s ability to compete in high-pressure situations.
In recent years, Spurs have struggled in these marquee matchups, often falling short even when they play well. Last season, Arsenal managed to defeat their rivals, adding to Tottenham’s woes in big games.
However, Kulusevski is not without competition for his place in the Tottenham lineup. With Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert also vying for starting positions, and Dominic Solanke potentially returning from injury, Postecoglou has a wealth of options to consider.
The manager will have to weigh the players’ international form, fitness, and how well they fit into his tactical plans for the derby.
Arsenal’s squad will be missing a key player, with Declan Rice suspended for the derby. This absence could provide Tottenham with a slight advantage, particularly in the midfield battle where Rice would have played a crucial role.
Yet, Tottenham’s success will ultimately depend on their ability to capitalize on the chances they create, something they struggled with in their last match against Newcastle United.
Despite dominating much of the game, Spurs were wasteful in front of goal, a shortcoming that cost them valuable points.
As Tottenham prepares for one of the most important games of their season, the pressure is on to deliver a performance that not only secures a win but also demonstrates their capacity to compete with the Premier League’s best.
Kulusevski’s form and growing confidence could be a key factor in this equation, especially if he continues to assert himself as a creative force on the field.
However, the outcome will hinge on the entire team’s ability to rise to the occasion, convert their chances, and break their habit of underperforming in crucial matches.
This derby represents more than just a game; it’s an opportunity for Tottenham to prove they can win when it matters most. Whether Kulusevski can carry his international form into this high-pressure environment will be one of the many intriguing storylines as the match approaches.
For Spurs and Postecoglou, a victory against Arsenal would not only strengthen their position in the league but also signal a shift in their fortunes in big games, a change they have been striving for in recent seasons.
Read Also: Tottenham injury update: Micky Van de Ven and Dominic Solanke latest return dates
Read Also: Ange must never repeat experiment with Tottenham ace after brilliant display for country