Dejan Kulusevski, the talented player from Tottenham Hotspur, has showcased his versatility over the course of his three seasons with the club. Since joining from Juventus in January 2022, he has played in three different positions, adapting to the tactical demands of his coaches.
Initially, Kulusevski slotted into Antonio Conte’s 3-4-3 system as a right winger. He made an immediate impact, scoring and assisting in his second start against Manchester City. Throughout the 2021-22 season, he displayed his attacking threat, contributing five goals and eight assists in just 18 appearances.
However, with the arrival of Ange Postecoglou as head coach in June 2023, Kulusevski’s role began to change. Postecoglou preferred Brennan Johnson on the right wing due to his speed and ability to deliver crosses. As a result, Kulusevski moved to a more central role, becoming the team’s main creative threat when James Maddison was injured.
The final day of the 2023-24 season saw Kulusevski experiment with a new position as he started up front and scored twice against Sheffield United. This role was a result of Richarlison’s injury and a delayed arrival for club-record signing Dominic Solanke.
The question now arises: where does Kulusevski truly belong in the starting XI, and which role suits him best? Postecoglou initially downplayed the idea of Kulusevski playing as a striker, stating that his strengths lie in the attacking midfield or wide role. However, circumstances changed when Solanke suffered an ankle injury, prompting Postecoglou to consider Kulusevski as a potential striker. Although it’s not his preferred position, Postecoglou recognized Kulusevski’s work rate and ability to link up with teammates in the build-up.
Kulusevski’s performance as a false nine against Bayern Munich in a pre-season game highlighted his determination and ability to hassle opposition defenders. His goal from intercepting a pass and reacting quicker than anyone else demonstrated his effectiveness in this role.
On the other hand, Kulusevski’s elegance and skill in wide positions are also notable. His ability to glide into space and leave defenders tangled in knots was evident in a victory over Chelsea. By cleverly letting the ball roll across his body and executing a nutmeg, Kulusevski created a scoring opportunity for Tottenham.
Furthermore, Kulusevski’s exceptional skill in tight spaces makes him a promising option to play behind the striker. In a game against Nottingham Forest, his intelligent first touch and precise through ball set up Son, resulting in a missed scoring opportunity. This display highlighted his ability to create chances from central areas.
In a recent game against Everton, Kulusevski started as an attacking midfielder alongside Johnson. They combined excellently for a goal, showcasing Postecoglou’s potential long-term vision for the team. Kulusevski’s ability to impact play centrally was evident in this instance, although his touch map primarily shows activity along the touchline.
Kulusevski’s versatility and willingness to play multiple roles have become apparent. With the competition for positions increasing with the arrival of new signings, he may need to adapt and perform across different areas of the pitch. However, Kulusevski remains focused on the team’s success, stating that he is prepared to do whatever is best for the team, regardless of the position he plays.
In conclusion, Dejan Kulusevski’s journey at Tottenham Hotspur has seen him transition through various roles, adapting to the demands of different coaches. His attacking threat, work rate, and ability to impact play in different positions make him a valuable asset to the team. Whether it’s as a winger, false nine, or attacking midfielder, Kulusevski’s versatility and determination will continue to contribute to Tottenham’s success.