Postecoglou must have words with 75% Tottenham star after ‘Ridiculous’ moment v Roma

Ange Postecoglou likely felt frustration with Dejan Kulusevski after the Swedish international received a booking for what many deemed an unnecessary moment during Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-2 draw against Roma on Thursday.

This result left Spurs in a disappointing ninth position in the UEFA Europa League standings, a situation that has added to the mounting pressure on the team.

The match began with promise for Tottenham, as Son Heung-min converted a penalty just five minutes into the game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. However, Roma quickly responded, with Evan Ndicka equalizing in the 19th minute.

Stephan El Shaarawy appeared to put the Serie A side ahead shortly afterward, but the goal was ruled out for offside, much to the relief of Spurs fans. Tottenham rallied, regaining the lead in the 33rd minute through Brennan Johnson, who capitalized on a well-placed assist from Kulusevski.

Despite the home side’s efforts, Roma’s Mats Hummels delivered a crushing blow with a late equalizer, leaving North London supporters frustrated once again.

While Kulusevski made a noticeable impact with his second consecutive assist, his performance was marred by a booking in the 28th minute following a heated altercation with Leandro Paredes.

The Swedish star’s shove sent the Roma midfielder to the ground, earning Kulusevski criticism from commentator Glen Hoddle, who called the incident “ridiculous” during TNT Sports’ live broadcast.

This lapse in discipline could become a point of concern for Postecoglou, particularly given Tottenham’s current injury woes and the increasing importance of maintaining squad availability.

Kulusevski’s overall performance against Roma showcased his value to the team but also highlighted areas for improvement. Statistics from Sofascore revealed that the 24-year-old completed 75% of his passes, including two key passes, and created significant scoring opportunities, even striking the woodwork on one occasion.

His assist further underscored his ability to influence games, reinforcing his role as a critical component of Postecoglou’s squad. However, he struggled in other aspects, completing only one accurate cross out of four attempts, winning just three out of 10 ground duels, and losing possession 21 times. Additionally, he was dribbled past twice, indicating defensive vulnerabilities that could be costly in tighter contests.

The incident with Paredes serves as a reminder of the fine margins in competitive football, where emotional control is as crucial as technical ability. Kulusevski’s booking, stemming from a moment of frustration, risks creating unnecessary complications for Tottenham, particularly in a period where squad depth is already being tested.

Postecoglou, known for his emphasis on discipline and focus, may need to address this issue directly with the midfielder to prevent similar incidents in future matches.

Tottenham’s injury list has already left the team stretched thin, making Kulusevski’s availability even more critical. The Swede’s creativity and attacking vision have become key assets for Spurs, especially with players like James Maddison currently sidelined.

Losing Kulusevski to a suspension caused by avoidable bookings would further exacerbate the team’s challenges and disrupt the progress Postecoglou has been trying to build.

The Australian manager has been striving to instill a more dynamic and attacking style of play since taking over at Tottenham. Players like Kulusevski, with their technical skills and ability to unlock defenses, are central to this vision.

However, maintaining discipline on the pitch is equally essential, as reckless moments can undermine the team’s momentum and lead to unnecessary setbacks. Postecoglou will likely use this incident as a teaching moment for Kulusevski, emphasizing the importance of composure and focus during high-pressure situations.

Despite the frustrations surrounding the Roma match, there were positives for Tottenham to take away, including the promising performances of players like Brennan Johnson.

The forward’s goal showcased his ability to step up in crucial moments, offering a glimpse of the attacking potential within Postecoglou’s squad. However, consistency remains a challenge, and the team will need to address its defensive lapses to improve results moving forward.

For Kulusevski, the focus must now shift to channeling his passion and energy more effectively. His technical ability and vision make him an invaluable asset to the team, but moments of indiscipline risk overshadowing his contributions. By managing his temperament and refining his decision-making, Kulusevski can further elevate his game and cement his role as a leader within the squad.

Tottenham’s Europa League campaign still holds promise, but the team must address its vulnerabilities quickly to climb the standings and achieve its goals. Kulusevski’s development, both as a player and a professional, will play a significant role in determining the team’s success.

With guidance from Postecoglou and support from his teammates, the Swedish midfielder has the potential to turn this setback into a stepping stone for greater consistency and impact in the matches to come.