Tottenham: Dejan Kulusevski shows why Ange Postecoglou loves him after what he did for Sweden
Dejan Kulusevski has shown once again why the winger is one of the first names on Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur teamsheet as Sweden beat Albania on Monday (25 March).
The 23-year-old was at the centre of Sweden’s attack, assisting the only goal in the 1-0 victory with a sublime cross to the back post, with Gustaf Nilsson firing home past Thomas Strakosha.
Kulusevski has started 25 of Tottenham’s 28 Premier League matches this season, creating a dynamic attack with a selection of Son Heung-min Timo Werner, Richarlison and Brennan Johnson.
Though only a friendly fixture in preparation for EURO 2024 this summer, the Swede’s class was on show for all to see as he was involved in the most important moment of the match.
This follows Sweden’s 5-2 loss to Portugal on Thursday 21 March, where the same link-up was formed, Kulusevski assisting Nilsson, although only a consolation in a less-than-satisfactory defeat.
He has just one goal and one assist in his last 11 fixtures in all competitions for Spurs. despite ranking in the top 92 percentile for touches in the opposition’s penalty area. [FBref]
Postecoglou will hope that his continued trust in the winger will pay dividends as they push for a top-four Premier League finish.
Can Dejan Kulusevski bring his Sweden form back to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium?
The Spurs forward was important in the 1-0 victory on Monday, being handed a 7.9 rating by FotMob.
With an 88 per cent pass completion, Kulusevski bettered his Premier League average of 82 per cent this season, helping Sweden to end the international break on a high. [FotMob]
Although deputising as a winger, he is also known for his defensive capabilities, which is why Postecoglou loves him so much, boasting a 100 per cent tackle success on the night.
The only worry will be that the Spurs man picked up another yellow card, suggesting that he needs to reign in some of his feistier challenges before a more card-happy referee pulls him up.
However, this is not very likely, with Kulusevski ranking in the top 86 percentile for tackles amongst wingers in the top-five European leagues. [FBref]
There is certainly nothing wrong with getting stuck in and fighting for the ball, but Spurs will be hoping Kulusevski can cut down on his cautions, having been handed 12 yellow cards since January 2022.
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