Player Watch Player Watch: Dejan Kulusevski

[chas vs dave]

The game was screaming out for him from the start. A mistake not to begin with him.

Agreed. His ability to hold up the ball, and bring players in is massively important. I still would like to see him play in the no 10 role.

In the first half, they had a bank of 6 on top of us. If we beat the press, it was 4 on 4, it didn't happen as no one was occupying that massive gap between the front 4 and back 6.

 

[Timberwolf]

I agree with much of what you said, but I'd pick up on this as a point I disagree with. I've been really impressed with Richi's hold up play and what he offers around the pitch - I'd argue (and not just down to current form) he's a more consistent, constructive presence in attack than Son. What I don't think is he'll be as much of a threat behind, or score as many as Son at his best.

But I think positionally, Son, Kane and Richi are, in reality, all strikers. You can play two, but not three. I'd make the same point about Moura as well actually. Deki is really the only first team ready (because you could put Gil in this category) creative forward we have.

I can, with this dynamic in mind, see exactly why we were after Zaniolo, or someone similar to him

Yeah completely agree - was actually impressed with a lot of his flicks yesterday as Son's struggled with them since Conte arrived.

I just think that broadly speaking they are both quite similar and neither provide us with the security in possession and creative/hold up play that Kulu does.

 

[Strikeb4ck]

He is so so good. Watched him enough at Parma to know he was going to be a class signing, but he's even exceeded those high expectations I had. Best player in the team over the past ~8 months and I don't think that is controversial to say in the least bit. His decision making is absolutely extraordinary, such a smart player. If he had that kind of Salah level pace he would be a top 5 player in the world.

 

[Blueluigi6]

Not sure if this was posted but here’s a very high quality article about why he’s so dangerous on attack:

Dejan Kulusevski’s Unique Approach to High-Value, Low-Volume Chance Creation - Analytics FC

Jamie Scott assesses the Swedish playmaker’s unorthodox method and how it benefits Tottenham Hotspur Dejan Kulusevski’s stint at Tottenham, under Italian manager and notorious serial winner Antonio Conte, has been an unequivocal success so far. The Swedish attacker has contributed to his side’s...

analyticsfc.co.uk

 

[greavesy461]

Not sure if this was posted but here’s a very high quality article about why he’s so dangerous on attack:

Dejan Kulusevski’s Unique Approach to High-Value, Low-Volume Chance Creation - Analytics FC

Jamie Scott assesses the Swedish playmaker’s unorthodox method and how it benefits Tottenham Hotspur Dejan Kulusevski’s stint at Tottenham, under Italian manager and notorious serial winner Antonio Conte, has been an unequivocal success so far. The Swedish attacker has contributed to his side’s...

analyticsfc.co.uk

Good read thanks

 

[double0]

Conte should be getting class A migraines, selecting the starting 11 and that's how it's supposed to be competing on all fronts.
Kulusevski Richarlison is the rotation whereas Kane and Son have performances in the bank to a certain point.
For Tottenham to have great success competition within the squad most be higher. As fans we need ruthless management for the benefit of the team, players brought on as replacement most be able to effectively maintain and lift levels in game and be selfless to the cause.

 

[G Ron]

Simply has to start

Yep - he’s been out most consistent and effective attacking player this season so far. Has to start

 

[Chimbo!]

Yep - he’s been out most consistent and effective attacking player this season so far. Has to start

I feel he lost out last few games because he’s the youngest - easier to drop. But he should start because he is just very good and offers something different. His ability to wait for the right pass because of his strength and ball control is really important against defensive teams.

 

[Locotoro]

Not sure if this was posted but here’s a very high quality article about why he’s so dangerous on attack:

Dejan Kulusevski’s Unique Approach to High-Value, Low-Volume Chance Creation - Analytics FC

Jamie Scott assesses the Swedish playmaker’s unorthodox method and how it benefits Tottenham Hotspur Dejan Kulusevski’s stint at Tottenham, under Italian manager and notorious serial winner Antonio Conte, has been an unequivocal success so far. The Swedish attacker has contributed to his side’s...

analyticsfc.co.uk

Brilliant piece and explains things really well

 

[mano-obe]

Has to start every match unless rested. If Conte has to find a way to make it work he has to.

 

[Dazza71]

I know we have the option to sign him permanently but he must have the right to refuse the move if he isn't happy. I hope being dropped in the way he has doesn't make him think twice about his future with us.

 

[guiltyparty]

Become weirdly political hasn’t it? If it’s on merit, Son’s performances mean he should undoubtedly be the one to miss out at the moment.

 

[14/04/91]

Right now he’s the only one of the 4 forwards who seems capable of retaining possession so he has to start.

 

[IfiHadTheWings]

I understood when he first made way for Richarlison as we really need to get Son firing but this is becoming ridiculous, he was our form player and now he's on the bench every game whilst others stink the place out.

 

[Nick-TopSpursMan]

Dropping Deki is one of the worst mistakes I’ve ever seen a manager make.

He was absolutely on fire and consistently one of our best players, bringing the ultimate balance to our front 3 and constantly proving end product.

Conte may be a world class manager but dropping Deki is utter madness. And it’s 3 games now, he’s definitely been dropped and not rested.

If he doesn’t bring Deki back in to the line up and make him integral then I’m afraid to say he’s lost the plot.

 

[BillyWhizz]

Deki is a huge reason the front 3 work and removing him hasn't helped. Richarlison while putting in some good performances has unbalanced the front 3 and combined with Son out of form and Kane in and out this is the result.

 

[Mediocrates]

To be honest, Richarlison is a much better sub for Kane or Son than Kulusevski in terms of balance. We are so much easier to defend against when he doesn’t start. He has more vision than anyone bar probably a firing Kane.

 

[Whazam]

Conte trying to play Son into form could very well end up with him benching Deki out of form.

Don't think we have to worry just yet, but continuing to handle Deki this way could cause a massive problem.

 

[Ginola+Tonic]

Reading between the lines and observing what’s been said it looks like Kulu is carrying an injury, hence his stint on the bench

 

[leethfc14]

He said 2 weeks ago he was having some physical problems but everyone seems to have ignored it - https://play.tottenhamhotspur.com/video/388547/kulusevski-delighted-with-three-points-at-forest