Dejan Kulusevski Quickly Becoming a Fan Favourite at Tottenham Hotspur

Since he arrived at Tottenham Hotspur in January, Dejan Kulusevski has swiftly become a darling among the fans, courtesy of his remarkable displays on the field. The Swedish winger has injected dynamism, finesse, and end-product into Spurs’ offensive endeavors, forging an impeccable partnership alongside Son Heung-min. With his unyielding work ethic and unwavering determination, Kulusevski has embarked on the journey to etch his name into the cherished annals of Tottenham supporters’ affections. Fans who can’t wait to see him play can place bets at Saskatchewan betting sites. This Player Analysis examines why Dejan Kulusevski is a perfect fit for Antonio Conte’s team.

Dejan Kulusevski’s Style of Play

Dejan Kulusevski could easily earn the moniker “the Rapid Rabbit” due to his exceptional speed. This Swedish attacker has swiftly become a formidable weapon in counter-attacking situations, adding a valuable dimension to the team and diverting attention from Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son.

However, Kulusevski’s contributions go beyond his pace. He possesses a profound understanding of positional play. He can adeptly read the game, whether adjusting his position centrally to complement Harry Kane’s wide movement or syncing up with the overlapping runs of his right-wing-back along the byline. Kulusevski also demonstrates the wisdom to stay wide when needed, as exemplified in the team’s impressive 3-2 victory against Manchester City. The 21-year-old hugged the touchline during that match while Harry Kane dropped deep to orchestrate play. This tactical choice disrupted City’s backline and allowed Kulusevski to wreak havoc on the right flank. Since that game, Conte has consistently included him in the lineup, and Kulusevski has contributed with 2 goals and 3 assists in his first six Premier League fixtures.

Kulusevski’s standout performance against City showcased one of his key strengths at Spurs: his ability to pressure defenders and disrupt the opponent’s defensive shape. Whether or not Spurs transition into a possession-based team in the future, they’ll always excel at counter-attacks with Son and Kane on the squad. With Harry Kane dropping back and Hojbjerg pushing forward, Kulusevski often doesn’t need to initiate the counter. This allows him to instantly sprint forward when possession is regained, keeping the opposition on their toes and creating more space for his teammates to advance.

Similarly, as Davies, Reguilon, and Son collaborate on the left flank to create scoring opportunities, Kulusevski exhibits excellent timing in his runs into the box to provide a finishing touch. Meanwhile, Doherty’s forward surges add an extra dimension to the attack. At 21 years old, the Swedish talent showcases remarkable skill with the ball at his feet and is notably ambidextrous, but it’s his off-the-ball work that has proven invaluable for Spurs, making his addition to the team a substantial asset.

Now, let’s talk about Kulusevski’s skills with the ball. The Swedish attacker loves cutting inside onto his left foot for those central areas. But don’t be fooled; he’s just as comfortable using his right foot to take on defenders down the wing. This provides Conte with the balance he desires, with Son on the left using his right foot and Kulusevski on the right using his left. Importantly, he knows when to keep things simple and doesn’t try to dribble past defenders endlessly. He understands his role as a facilitator for his talented teammates and chooses the right moments to shine. Since joining, he’s averaged 2.55 successful dribbles per 90 minutes, making life difficult for opposing defenders.

Defensively, Dejan Kulusevski has been diligent and impactful. He’s the most proactive among Tottenham’s attackers regarding regaining possession. His soccer smarts are evident in his off-the-ball movement and positioning. The Swedish winger keeps a solid defensive line alongside the two central midfielders and Heung-Min Son in a 5-4-1 mid-block setup. When the ball enters his area, he increases the pressure. During transitions, Son and Kulusevski may shift to a diamond-like 5-2-2-1 formation before widening out as the opposition settles into their attack.

Further down the field, the Swedish winger actively maintains his team’s defensive formation in the 5-4-1 setup instead of positioning himself for attacking transitions. Since joining Spurs, Kulusevski has shown remarkable dedication, applying 9.14 pressures per 90 in his own defensive third, making him one of the most industrious wingers in the league regarding defensive duties. In perspective, Son has managed just 2.09 pressures this season, while Moura fares slightly better at 3.45, and Kane only reaches 0.59. He also defends the middle third (9.57 per 90), highlighting why Conte consistently includes him in the starting lineup.

Considering all this, Dejan Kulusevski appears to be a well-rounded winger. While not flawless, he seems to be an ideal fit for Tottenham Hotspur, making him a valuable addition to the team.

Statistical Analysis

When evaluating Dejan Kulusevski’s suitability for Tottenham, conducting a comparative analysis with his teammates is essential. To accomplish this, we have leveraged our preferred statistical resource, FBRef, to gather pertinent data. This data allows us to assess Kulusevski’s strengths and weaknesses compared to other prominent Spurs frontline members.

Offensive and Possession Metrics

Dejan Kulusevski has enjoyed a remarkable debut with Tottenham in his first six games, justifying Conte’s early faith in him. Demonstrating his passing precision and creative prowess, the 21-year-old boasts the highest passing accuracy and the most assists per 90 minutes thus far. Although the sample size is small, Kulusevski’s statistics remain impressive. While his dribbling success rate may fall slightly short of Tottenham’s other prominent attackers, he displays ambition by attempting to take on more defenders and engage in dribbling opportunities more frequently.

While Lucas Moura may excel in carrying and passing the ball with a higher degree of progression, it’s important to note that many of Kulusevski’s strengths lie in his off-the-ball contributions, which may not be fully quantifiable in these statistical categories. Encouragingly, his goals-per-shot ratio is most closely aligned with the exceptional efficiency of Heung-Min Son, renowned as one of the world’s most clinical finishers. Moreover, Kulusevski has contributed at a rate of 1.06 per 90 minutes when combining goals and assists. This figure surpasses Lucas Moura’s 0.36, nearly doubles Kane’s 0.54, and even outperforms Heung-Min Son’s 0.73.

Dejan Kulusevski is an outstanding forward with a promising future. The data strongly indicates that Tottenham should try to secure his permanent acquisition.

Defensive Work Rate

As highlighted throughout our analysis, Dejan Kulusevski’s most remarkable attributes lie in his off-the-ball capabilities and ability to contribute effectively across Conte’s tactical plans. When we examine various categories, it’s evident that Kulusevski excels in off-the-ball actions, surpassing his teammates in on-the-ball defensive actions. While his tackle and interception figures may appear relatively modest, his average of 3.83 per 90 minutes compares favorably with other players in his position and exceeds his teammates. Furthermore, his off-the-ball pressure statistics outshine his three counterparts, although Harry Kane boasts a higher success rate in pressuring opponents. Despite not being the tallest player, Kulusevski outperforms Heung-Min Son in aerial challenges and shares similarities with the team’s target man, Harry Kane. Lucas Moura, a smaller player known for his prowess in aerial duels, stands as an exception, but Kulusevski’s adaptability and versatility in his skill set make him a noteworthy anomaly. It’s abundantly clear that Dejan Kulusevski is an indispensable asset when it comes to the game’s defensive aspect.

Conclusion

Following a relatively uneventful January transfer window, Tottenham made significant acquisitions in Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski from Juventus, bolstering the team’s strength and depth. Kulusevski’s exceptional start with the club underscores the need for a concerted effort to secure his services beyond the current season, capitalizing on his exceptional speed and versatility. While he exhibits remarkable two-footed skills and a keen passing eye, Kulusevski’s off-the-ball contributions are a dignified hallmark of his game. He makes substantial defensive and transitional contributions for his team. With a top-four finish still within reach, statistical evidence suggests that Antonio Conte should deploy the 21-year-old in as many matches as possible to enhance the team’s prospects of competing in the UEFA Champions League next season.