8 duels won, 17x ball recovery: Spurs’ 9/10 star is now becoming Ange’s very own Ozil
Tottenham Hotspur demonstrated the depth of their attacking quality with a dominant victory over West Ham United in the Premier League. Although West Ham was off their game, it was a crucial win for Spurs, bouncing back from their collapse against Brighton & Hove Albion before the October international break.
At the heart of Tottenham’s resurgence is Dejan Kulusevski, who has been pivotal in driving Ange Postecoglou’s attacking system forward.
Kulusevski, long regarded as one of Tottenham’s most exciting players, is now finding his form this season under Postecoglou’s management. While Spurs are still refining their overall game, particularly in defense, Kulusevski’s performances are a key factor in the team’s growing cohesion.
His versatility has been crucial, as Postecoglou has shifted him from a traditional winger role to a more central, dynamic midfield position. This tactical change has paid off, as Kulusevski’s influence in matches continues to grow, and his ability to link up with other attacking players, like Heung-min Son, has been instrumental in Spurs’ success.
Against West Ham, Kulusevski’s impact was undeniable. He was pivotal in restoring parity for Tottenham, scoring a crucial goal in the first half. His combination of energy, skill, and vision earned him a 9/10 rating from football.london’s Rob Guest.
Kulusevski’s confidence on the ball and his playmaking abilities were evident throughout the match, as he threaded Tottenham’s attack together and kept West Ham’s defense on their heels.
Dejan Kulusevski: Match Performance vs West Ham
| Match Stats | Dejan Kulusevski |
|---|---|
| Minutes played | 90′ |
| Goals | 1 |
| Touches | 59 |
| Shots (on target) | 4 (1) |
| Accurate passes | 29/35 (83%) |
| Key passes | 2 |
| Possession lost | 17x |
| Dribbles (completed) | 6 (2) |
| Tackles | 3 |
| Total duels (won) | 15 (8) |
Kulusevski is increasingly embracing a more prominent, talismanic role within Postecoglou’s system. With James Maddison substituted at half-time against West Ham, Kulusevski stepped up, solidifying his position as a central figure in Tottenham’s attacking lineup.
His performance is drawing comparisons to some of the Premier League’s top playmakers, with many now viewing him as Tottenham’s own version of Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard.
Pundits have praised Kulusevski’s work rate and adaptability. Graeme Souness once compared Kulusevski to Kevin De Bruyne, highlighting his ability to influence a game from midfield. However, a more fitting comparison might be to Martin Odegaard, given their similar playing styles and roles within their respective teams.
Both players are left-footed, natural goal-scorers, and adept at carrying the ball forward while maintaining a strong presence in the midfield. According to FBref’s statistical models, Odegaard is one of the most comparable players to Kulusevski, emphasizing the similarities in their ball-carrying abilities and their combative nature on the pitch.
Odegaard has established himself as one of the Premier League’s top midfielders, winning Arsenal’s Player of the Season award in consecutive years. For Postecoglou, molding Kulusevski into a player of similar stature could be a game-changer for Tottenham.
Kulusevski’s recent form suggests he is on the right track, with two goals in his last three Premier League matches. As Tottenham aims to secure a place in the Champions League and make a deep run in domestic cup competitions, Kulusevski’s influence will be crucial.
As Kulusevski continues to grow into his role at Tottenham, his potential to become one of Europe’s finest midfielders is becoming more apparent. His ability to combine his natural goal-scoring instincts with his creativity on the ball makes him a unique asset for Spurs.
If he can maintain his current level of performance, he could emerge as one of London’s premier playmakers, perhaps even rivaling Odegaard for that title.
In conclusion, Dejan Kulusevski’s emergence as a key player in Tottenham’s attack is a testament to both his individual talent and Postecoglou’s tactical vision. His contributions are driving Tottenham forward as they aim for success in both the Premier League and cup competitions.
As the season progresses, Kulusevski’s continued development will be vital to Tottenham’s aspirations, and his growing influence could see him become one of the top midfielders in the league.
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