Muhammad Awwal AbubakarTottenham Hotspur is set to make the signing of Dejan Kulusevski permanent, despite the departure of the manager who signed him, Antonio Conte.
The Swedish forward has been a standout performer this season, particularly in a more central role, and his contributions have been pivotal as Spurs prepare for their upcoming Premier League clash against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday.
After a shocking defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion before the international break, Tottenham responded immediately with a 4-1 victory over West Ham United last weekend.
This win not only boosted their morale but also marked a return to form, as they edged past AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League on Thursday.
Spurs now find themselves on a commendable run, having won seven of their last eight matches across all competitions.
Kulusevski’s transformation has been at the heart of this resurgence.
Since Ange Postecoglou decided to deploy him as a central midfielder, the 24-year-old has thrived, becoming instrumental in controlling games and linking play effectively with his teammates.
His ability to dictate the tempo and influence matches has earned him recognition and praise from fans and pundits alike.
Former Premier League goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is among those who have heaped praise on Kulusevski, particularly for his performance against West Ham, which initiated the comeback.
Schwarzer boldly predicted that the Swedish international could earn a spot in the Premier League Team of the Season, highlighting his current form. “My hot take for this week is Dejan Kulusevski is going to be in the Team of the Season, and he’ll back it up with another great performance against Crystal Palace,” Schwarzer revealed on The Optus Sport Football Podcast.
He continued to discuss Kulusevski’s impressive playstyle, noting, “He is absolutely on fire. He’s talked about it since he’s been at Spurs that he wants to play more central.” Kulusevski’s versatility was on full display in the victory against West Ham, where he not only excelled in various positions but also scored a brilliant goal by cutting inside from the right.
During the 4-1 victory over West Ham United, Kulusevski demonstrated his all-around abilities, making significant contributions both defensively and offensively.
Although it remains to be seen whether he will indeed make the Team of the Season, especially with strong performances from players at rival clubs like Liverpool, Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Arsenal, his development has certainly captured the attention of many fans and pundits.
Glenn Hoddle, another footballing critic, also weighed in on Kulusevski’s performance, asserting that the forward played his “best game” against West Ham. This endorsement from former players highlights the growing recognition of his talent.
Spurs head into the derby match against a struggling Crystal Palace side, fans will be eager to see if Kulusevski can maintain his impressive form.
The club has finally started to unlock the best version of the Swedish international, and his continued evolution as a player could be key to Tottenham’s ambitions this season, especially with many talented players supplementing his gameplay.
With all eyes now on the next Premier League game against Palace, Tottenham will look forward to Kulusevski’s contribution not just for goals, but for his overall impact on the game.
His ability to dictate play from the midfield and contribute both defensively and offensively will be crucial as Spurs aim to solidify their position in the league and continue their ascent toward the top four, or potentially a title challenge.
Muhammad Awwal Abubakar
