Ange Postecoglou made a significant statement with his selection for Tottenham’s match against Leicester City on Monday evening. With the depth of talent now at his disposal, the Spurs manager faced the unenviable task of informing several players that they wouldn’t feature in the starting XI or possibly even the matchday squad. Among those receiving this disappointing news was Dejan Kulusevski, who had been one of Tottenham’s standout performers during their pre-season campaign.
Kulusevski, who was pivotal in Tottenham’s six pre-season matches, found himself relegated to the bench despite his impressive performances. The Swedish international, known for his versatility, primarily played on the right wing during his time at Spurs since his transfer from Juventus. However, in the summer friendlies, Postecoglou experimented with Kulusevski in a more central role, where he thrived, even stepping in as a striker in four of the six matches due to the absence of a recognized forward and Son Heung-min’s struggles in the position.
During these pre-season matches, Kulusevski was heavily involved in several goals and managed to score a couple himself, particularly shining in Tottenham’s final warm-up game against Bayern Munich. His strong performances led many to believe that he was a lock for the starting lineup in the Premier League opener against Leicester. However, with the arrival of new signing Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth, Postecoglou opted to start Solanke up front, while Brennan Johnson was chosen over Kulusevski on the right flank, and James Maddison was preferred in the midfield.
Kulusevski finally made his entrance in the 79th minute as part of a quadruple substitution, which gave him 20 minutes of playtime, including the nine added due to stoppages following Rodrigo Bentancur’s injury. In the short time he was on the pitch, Kulusevski made a noticeable impact, driving at Leicester’s defense and contributing defensively with a crucial tackle in his own box after a long sprint back to help his teammates. His efforts came after Jamie Vardy had equalized Pedro Porro’s earlier goal, but despite his best efforts, Spurs couldn’t find a late winner.
Many Spurs fans and analysts alike believe that Tottenham is a stronger side with Kulusevski on the field. His technical ability, vision, and knack for splitting defenses with precise passes are invaluable assets. The challenge for Postecoglou now is finding a way to integrate the Sweden international into his starting lineup consistently.
Postecoglou has already made it clear that Kulusevski won’t be utilized as a striker moving forward, especially with Solanke now leading the line and Richarlison returning to full fitness. This leaves the Swedish attacker with two potential roles: as an attacking midfielder or returning to the right wing. Given the circumstances, Brennan Johnson seems the most likely to make way for Kulusevski, especially since Maddison impressed on his return to his former club’s ground.
While Johnson showed flashes of potential during the match, including a near miss in the first half, he struggled to influence the game consistently. A moment in the opening 45 minutes encapsulated his performance when he won the ball from Victor Kristiansen, only to hesitate in possession, allowing the Dane to recover the ball and draw a foul from Johnson in quick succession. This sequence highlighted Johnson’s challenges in fully asserting himself in the game, suggesting that Kulusevski might be a more reliable option moving forward.
Though Kulusevski may not fit the classic Postecoglou mold for a winger in the same way Johnson does, there is no questioning his influence when he is at the top of his game. The Swede’s confidence was soaring after a stellar pre-season, and many expected him to start against Leicester. With the team missing several opportunities at the King Power Stadium and three points slipping through their fingers, it’s highly likely that Postecoglou will make adjustments for Tottenham’s next match against Everton on Saturday. Bringing Kulusevski back into the starting lineup seems like a logical decision, especially after his strong pre-season and the team’s need for greater creativity and incisiveness.
Selecting a Tottenham lineup is becoming increasingly difficult for Postecoglou due to the wealth of options available, but finding a place for Kulusevski in the starting XI should be a priority. His quality and ability to influence games make him an indispensable asset that Spurs cannot afford to leave on the bench.
