Spurs happy to deal with world class star who could be a £125M star in the making

Tottenham Hotspur has undergone significant changes over the last four years, experiencing managerial shifts, expensive signings, and the departure of iconic players like Harry Kane.

Despite these challenges, Ange Postecoglou has brought an entertaining brand of football back to the team, a stark contrast to the often pragmatic style of Antonio Conte. While inconsistency remains an issue, Spurs fans are now witnessing a more dynamic approach on the pitch.

Postecoglou follows a line of managers who have taken charge since Mauricio Pochettino’s departure. Notable names include Antonio Conte, José Mourinho, and Nuno Espírito Santo, with several interim appointments by Ryan Mason and Cristian Stellini during transitional periods.

Each era brought its highs and lows, but Conte, for all his shortcomings, managed to secure a player who is now emerging as one of Tottenham’s most valuable assets.

*Temporary appointments

One of Conte’s missteps in recruitment was the signing of Richarlison for £60 million in 2022. Despite his strong record at Everton, where he scored 11 goals and provided five assists in 33 games, his first season at Tottenham was underwhelming.

Across 35 appearances, he managed only three goals and four assists, averaging a goal involvement every five games. Under Postecoglou, Richarlison improved slightly, scoring 12 goals in the following season, but his contributions remained inconsistent outside a brief purple patch midseason.

This year, with the arrival of Dominic Solanke, Richarlison’s role has diminished further, and injuries have hindered his impact.

In contrast, another Conte signing, Dejan Kulusevski, has thrived. Initially brought in on an 18-month loan in January 2022, Kulusevski’s performances earned him a permanent move for £23 million.

Over nearly three years, the Swedish international has cemented his place as one of Tottenham’s most technically gifted players. Despite occasional dips in form, his versatility and creativity have made him a key asset.

Kulusevski has played in seven different positions during his 113 appearances, amassing 17 goals and 24 assists. This equates to a goal involvement every 2.75 games, an impressive return given his positional shifts.

Under Postecoglou, the 24-year-old has transitioned to a central or attacking midfield role, which has unlocked new dimensions in his game. Of his seven goal involvements this season, six occurred while playing in midfield, including a standout performance against Manchester United.

Comparisons between Kulusevski and Manchester City’s Phil Foden highlight his growing influence. FBref, a statistical analysis platform, identifies Foden as one of the most similar players to Kulusevski based on their performances in similar roles across Europe’s top leagues. The comparison underscores Kulusevski’s potential as a world-class talent.

These metrics demonstrate how closely aligned the two players are in terms of creativity, vision, and influence on their teams. Foden’s current market valuation is £125 million, according to Transfermarkt, suggesting that Kulusevski, at a similar age and performance level, could command a comparable fee in the future.

Kulusevski’s progress not only boosts Tottenham’s prospects on the field but also represents a significant financial asset for the club. If he continues his development under Postecoglou, his valuation could rise substantially, placing him among the Premier League’s elite talents.

For now, Tottenham fans can enjoy the journey of a player whose contributions could define their success in the coming years.

While Richarlison’s time at Tottenham appears to be nearing its conclusion, Kulusevski is flourishing as one of Conte’s most astute acquisitions. His blend of technical ability, adaptability, and potential for growth ensures that he will remain a cornerstone of Postecoglou’s exciting new era at Spurs.

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