‘My worst nightmare: Tim Sherwood blown away by how big £25m Tottenham man is after seeing him up close
Tottenham Hotspur delivered a stunning 4-0 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this weekend, showcasing an exceptional team performance. Central to this memorable display was Dejan Kulusevski, whose brilliance and versatility stole the spotlight once again.
The Swedish international has earned significant praise for his contributions, and former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood added to the acclaim by highlighting Kulusevski’s immense talent and physical presence.
Sherwood, speaking on The Weekend Wrap, expressed admiration for Kulusevski’s complete skill set and described the midfielder as a player with a unique blend of technical ability and physical dominance. What particularly surprised Sherwood was the sheer size of Kulusevski when seen up close, calling the player an absolute nightmare to face on the pitch.
According to Sherwood, the £25 million signing from Juventus thrives under Ange Postecoglou’s system, combining strength, speed, and skill to devastating effect.
Sherwood marveled at Kulusevski’s stature, noting that his height—around 6 ft 3 or 6 ft 4—makes him a formidable presence. While height is not typically associated with midfielders known for their dribbling and pace, Kulusevski’s physical attributes add another dimension to his game.
Sherwood remarked that defending against a player like Kulusevski would have been his worst nightmare, given the Swede’s ability to glide past opponents and use his strength to shield the ball.
Interestingly, despite his height, Kulusevski is not particularly dominant in aerial duels. He wins only 0.3 aerial battles per game, which is unusual for a player of his size. This paradox has not escaped the attention of fans and pundits alike, with some teasing him for his relatively low impact in the air. Nevertheless, his ground game more than compensates for any aerial shortcomings, making him a key figure in Tottenham’s attacking setup.
Tottenham boasts a surprisingly tall squad overall, with several players standing well over six feet. This physical advantage is notable, especially considering the team’s recent struggles with defending and scoring from set pieces.
Despite their towering lineup, Spurs have encountered persistent issues in set-piece situations, an area that coach Ange Postecoglou will undoubtedly aim to address as the season progresses.
Here’s a breakdown of Tottenham’s tallest players and their respective heights:
| Player | Height |
|---|---|
| Fraser Forster | 6 ft 7 |
| Guglielmo Vicario | 6 ft 4 |
| Micky van de Ven | 6 ft 4 |
| Radu Dragusin | 6 ft 3 |
| Dominic Solanke | 6 ft 2 |
| Rodrigo Bentancur | 6 ft 2 |
| Dejan Kulusevski | 6 ft 1 |
| Destiny Udogie | 6 ft 1 |
| Brennan Johnson | 6 ft 1 |
| Cristian Romero | 6 ft 1 |
The presence of so many tall players should theoretically provide Spurs with an edge in aerial battles and set-piece scenarios. However, the team’s struggles in this area have been a recurring issue, often costing them crucial points. Addressing these deficiencies will be crucial if Tottenham aims to compete at the highest levels domestically and in European competitions.
Kulusevski’s role in the squad extends beyond his physical attributes. Under Postecoglou’s system, the midfielder thrives in a fluid attacking role, drifting across the field to create opportunities and exploit spaces.
His quick feet, vision, and ability to link up with teammates have made him one of Tottenham’s most reliable performers this season. With every match, he continues to cement his status as a key figure in the team’s pursuit of success.
The 4-0 triumph over Manchester City was a testament to Tottenham’s potential under Postecoglou’s guidance. Despite missing key players, the team showcased resilience, tactical discipline, and attacking flair. Kulusevski’s standout performance served as a reminder of his importance to the squad and his ability to deliver on the biggest stages.
As Tottenham looks to build on this momentum, resolving their set-piece vulnerabilities and leveraging the physical attributes of their tall squad could prove decisive in achieving their long-term goals.