Player Dejan Kulusevski

[bk_spur]

I'd still argue that Son is our most important attacker by way of him just being on the pitch.

Just take a close look at our games and see how focused opposing defenses are on stopping Son. Even when he's not directly contributing with an goal / assist, he's often drawing a couple defenders out and opening up space for others.

For instance, against SH - he provided an assist to Dier yes but the other 3 goals we scored, he drew double teams and opened up tons of space for the the attack.

Against Chelsea - it was his pressure and interception in the box that led to the first goal from PEH.

Against Wolverhampton - his corner that led to the goal.

It's no coincidence that when Son is off it, our team does not look anywhere near the same.

Kulu is excellent and one of the best young attackers in the league, but you can't say that he's more important to our attack than a player like Son who is the primary focus of defenses. Until he commands that kind of focus and attention from opposing defenses, it's difficult to compare him with the likes of Kane/Son.

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Don't get my point confused- Son is a superior winger-striker "forward" in terms of 1 v 1 skills and finishing. But hes not a playmaker, and often fails to retain or advance possession when on the ball when facing packed, deep defenses. He seems to struggle a bit when he doesn't have space to employ his formidable pace.

Kulu on the other hand for me is a player "for all seasons". He's shown that he is deadly on the break, though not perhaps reaching "escape velocity" as often as Son. However, he's also good in packed boxes, is strong enough to hold off a CB, and can spot minute finesse passes that typically elude Son. He's a safe start for me against any side of any level.

TLDR Point being I trust Kulu to figure out how to break down any type of defense more than I would Son- who has struggled against deep-sitting bus parkers for much of his career. Of course if those fools would only play him fairly he would destroy them in open play, but they don't, and he hasn't quite figured out how to punish them for it with regularity.

 

[bk_spur]

it's weird people are still thinking Deki can play the #10 role.

I think if that were the case Conte would've tried it already.

In fact, Conte does the exact opposite. As we saw against Wolves, Conte actually makes Emerson tuck inside like an inverted Wingback and keep Deki with his feet on the sideline.

I'm sure Emerson's attacking limitations go into this tactic but i remember Conte doing it a few times last season as well.

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I wonder if that's more because Conte need to keep a wide threat wide in order to keep attacking balance and opposing defenses honest. If we had a better RWB available to start presently I think we might see Deki come inside more.

 

[fogueres]

I'd still argue that Son is our most important attacker by way of him just being on the pitch.

Just take a close look at our games and see how focused opposing defenses are on stopping Son. Even when he's not directly contributing with an goal / assist, he's often drawing a couple defenders out and opening up space for others.

For instance, against SH - he provided an assist to Dier yes but the other 3 goals we scored, he drew double teams and opened up tons of space for the the attack.

Against Chelsea - it was his pressure and interception in the box that led to the first goal from PEH.

Against Wolverhampton - his corner that led to the goal.

It's no coincidence that when Son is off it, our team does not look anywhere near the same.

Kulu is excellent and one of the best young attackers in the league, but you can't say that he's more important to our attack than a player like Son who is the primary focus of defenses. Until he commands that kind of focus and attention from opposing defenses, it's difficult to compare him with the likes of Kane/Son.

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Son is a stratospheric player.
If he had been Brazilian and his name was Sonaldo you would have had PSG & C. ready to write a very important check.

 

[KaneDomBadBoy]

Don't get my point confused- Son is a superior winger-striker "forward" in terms of 1 v 1 skills and finishing. But hes not a playmaker, and often fails to retain or advance possession when on the ball when facing packed, deep defenses. He seems to struggle a bit when he doesn't have space to employ his formidable pace.

Kulu on the other hand for me is a player "for all seasons". He's shown that he is deadly on the break, though not perhaps reaching "escape velocity" as often as Son. However, he's also good in packed boxes, is strong enough to hold off a CB, and can spot minute finesse passes that typically elude Son. He's a safe start for me against any side of any level.

TLDR Point being I trust Kulu to figure out how to break down any type of defense more than I would Son- who has struggled against deep-sitting bus parkers for much of his career. Of course if those fools would only play him fairly he would destroy them in open play, but they don't, and he hasn't quite figured out how to punish them for it with regularity.

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Yes I would agree with that assessment about Kulu - I think what you're getting at is that he's perhaps the most well rounded and versatile attacker on our team. Certainly more than Son. He doesn't seem to have a glaring weaknesses.

But for me, Son and/or Kane have just got that ability to make it rain on teams, even against the best teams. And that's what separates elite players like them over others for me.

But lets see what Kulu can do once opposing managers really emphasize their tactics on stopping him rather than just Kane/Son. I'd bet on our boy will pull through and truly cements his spot among the elite players. He's got to continue to perform at a high level now that it's quickly becoming no secret that he's one of the brightest young stars in the world.

 

[Gym&Chill]

Son was our top goalscorer last season and nearly averages a goal every other game. But now ‘Kuluvsexy’ is the permanent fixture?

Nah, just nah. Kid hasnt done nearly enough for me. I want to see a bit more show before I name him prime Messi. He’s been an absolute ghost past 2 games, and his overall ability is questionable. Theres a reason Juventus got rid. He had a decent start to the PL but since then he has faded.

 

[KaneDomBadBoy]

Son was our top goalscorer last season and nearly averages a goal every other game. But now ‘Kuluvsexy’ is the permanent fixture?

Nah, just nah. Kid hasnt done nearly enough for me. I want to see a bit more show before I name him prime Messi. He’s been an absolute ghost past 2 games, and his overall ability is questionable. Theres a reason Juventus got rid. He had a decent start to the PL but since then he has faded.

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Come on mate. You've got to admit that he's been a sensational signing thus far and he's just been class.

Whether he can continue to do it at a very high level now that there's a a bigger target on his back is another question.

With what I've seen from him thus far, there's no reason why he can't. He doesn't seem to have many weaknesses.

 

[bk_spur]

Son was our top goalscorer last season and nearly averages a goal every other game. But now ‘Kuluvsexy’ is the permanent fixture?

Nah, just nah. Kid hasnt done nearly enough for me. I want to see a bit more show before I name him prime Messi. He’s been an absolute ghost past 2 games, and his overall ability is questionable. Theres a reason Juventus got rid. He had a decent start to the PL but since then he has faded.

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Nobody is calling for Son to be dropped- just that maybe Son might be the first to be dropped if needed based on current form. And have you even watched the games? Kulu has been more influential than Son in each individual game so far this season.

It'd be nice if Son could take all the FKs though- I believe they are for the most part absolutely squandered when taken by Kane or Dier.

 

[bk_spur]

Yes I would agree with that assessment about Kulu - I think what you're getting at is that he's perhaps the most well rounded and versatile attacker on our team. Certainly more than Son. He doesn't seem to have a glaring weaknesses.

But for me, Son and/or Kane have just got that ability to make it rain on teams, even against the best teams. And that's what separates elite players like them over others for me.

But lets see what Kulu can do once opposing managers really emphasize their tactics on stopping him rather than just Kane/Son. I'd bet on our boy will pull through and truly cements his spot among the elite players. He's got to continue to perform at a high level now that it's quickly becoming no secret that he's one of the brightest young stars in the world.

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Good post- had to agree. When defenses do shift to try and nullify Kulu more, that'll be great because it'll allow Son and Kane the space to run riot. If we just had a cultured crosser at RWB (in addition to what we do have) then we'd really be able to torture our opponents.

 

[Gym&Chill]

Sorry guys, iv never been wrong yet. Id like to see Kulusevski prove me wrong, but I think once the honeymoon period is over and he stops getting a goal against Weetabix FC, people will start to question, and my posts will be forgotten about and youll all move on to the next thing for which you swear at me about, which I will inevitably be right about again.

Its a weight and a burdon that I carry heavy on my shoulders, but its okay because I know that you know no better.

 

[superspurs61]

Yes I would agree with that assessment about Kulu - I think what you're getting at is that he's perhaps the most well rounded and versatile attacker on our team. Certainly more than Son. He doesn't seem to have a glaring weaknesses.

But for me, Son and/or Kane have just got that ability to make it rain on teams, even against the best teams. And that's what separates elite players like them over others for me.

But lets see what Kulu can do once opposing managers really emphasize their tactics on stopping him rather than just Kane/Son. I'd bet on our boy will pull through and truly cements his spot among the elite players. He's got to continue to perform at a high level now that it's quickly becoming no secret that he's one of the brightest young stars in the world.

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Yep,, the only 'weakness' kulo has is that he hasn't got electric pace.. but yeah, other than that he's pretty much the full package.

 

[Deuterz]

Son was our top goalscorer last season and nearly averages a goal every other game. But now ‘Kuluvsexy’ is the permanent fixture?

Nah, just nah. Kid hasnt done nearly enough for me. I want to see a bit more show before I name him prime Messi. He’s been an absolute ghost past 2 games, and his overall ability is questionable. Theres a reason Juventus got rid. He had a decent start to the PL but since then he has faded.

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I don’t really care if you rate him or not, you’re entitled to your opinion and fuck, you could be right. The hive mind isn’t always correct on players.

But let’s be fair: everyone was a ghost vs Chelsea & Kulu was no worse than Kane or Son vs Wolves. So if you’re gonna criticise based on those two games then all 3 have to come under fire.

But whatever, I guess you saw it differently .. but I don’t really get how you watch that 2nd half vs Wolves & single out Kulu. He was creating openings.

 

[Gym&Chill]

I don’t really care if you rate him or not, you’re entitled to your opinion and fuck, you could be right. The hive mind isn’t always correct on players.

But let’s be fair: everyone was a ghost vs Chelsea & Kulu was no worse than Kane or Son vs Wolves. So if you’re gonna criticise based on those two games then all 3 have to come under fire.

But whatever, I guess you saw it differently .. but I don’t really get how you watch that 2nd half vs Wolves & single out Kulu. He was creating openings.

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Maybe but the whole team improved second half. Richarlison was lively too..

I just think he’s an average player

 

[Château NoHo]

Maybe but the whole team improved second half. Richarlison was lively too..

I just think he’s an average player

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[Gym&Chill]

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You dont have to agree Chateau, thats the power of free speech and living in a democracy baby

 

[Château NoHo]

You dont have to agree Chateau, thats the power of free speech and living in a democracy baby

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Depends on if you're actually an adult Gymmy... otherwise, you don't get shit.

Sorry, thems your rules.

 

[ArtyB]

I love how every player thread has a wee troll living in it...

 

[PointToPatrik]

I love how every player thread has a wee troll living in it...

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It is how we solve the housing crisis.

 

[stevee]

For those who don't understand how to judge a footballer ;

Said it before.....I love this lad, a proper footballer, not a trickster or a speed merchant running down dead ends, but a real proper footballer

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[Gilded Lily]

This is a Spurs forum, so I think a bit of fan-boying/girling should be actively encouraged if anything. Nothing wrong with enjoying an exciting new player.

We’re blessed with 3 absolute stars who have all been at the club for ages - Son, Kane and Loris. We’ve gotten used to them over several years so, rightly or wrongly, their bar of expectation is set higher and they generally have to do something more spectacular to earn praise here.

Kulusevski looks like he could be capable of joining that gang (Kulu and the gang - sorry, just made myself laugh there ) but he’s more exciting because he’s new, we don’t know his ceiling yet and he is starting to represent our future hopes for the club.

That puts a massive burden on him, and he will have off days, but showing him solid support can only help. I’ve noticed on TV that fans in the stadium are on their feet for him when he gets on the ball, even when he’s nowhere near goal. Don’t see that very often and as a fan it stirs my heart.

For the record I do think there should be a place here for criticism of our players too, if it’s constructive, clearly deserved, or sometimes just a funny or well constructed argument. If it’s insulting and unfounded or just a bit infantile then I’m told that there’s this thing called Twitter that’s a great place for winding up opposition fans.

 

[Airfixx]

Son was our top goalscorer last season and nearly averages a goal every other game. But now ‘Kuluvsexy’ is the permanent fixture?

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Strawman.

Nah, just nah. Kid hasnt done nearly enough for me. I want to see a bit more show before I name him prime Messi

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More strawman. Grow up.

He’s been an absolute ghost past 2 games, and his overall ability is questionable. Theres a reason Juventus got rid. He had a decent start to the PL but since then he has faded.

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Clueless.