8 duels won, 17x ball lost: Spurs’ 9/10 star is now fast becoming Ange’s very own Odegaard
Tottenham Hotspur demonstrated their attacking depth and quality on Saturday, dispatching a struggling West Ham United side in a comprehensive Premier League win. While the Hammers were clearly off form, the result was a crucial one for Spurs, as it helped them bounce back from a disheartening defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion just before the October international break. This victory not only restored some momentum for Ange Postecoglou’s men but also highlighted the growing influence of Dejan Kulusevski, who delivered one of his finest performances in a Spurs shirt.
Dejan Kulusevski’s Standout Display Against West Ham
Kulusevski, who has long been regarded as one of Tottenham’s brightest talents, is now starting to truly come into his own this season. Under Postecoglou’s management, the Swedish winger is being utilized in a more central and dynamic role in the midfield, diverging from the traditional winger duties he once held. This tactical tweak is proving highly effective, with Kulusevski becoming more integral to Spurs’ attack, and the team’s overall cohesion is visibly improving, even if defensive vulnerabilities remain.
Against West Ham, Kulusevski was instrumental in orchestrating Tottenham’s offensive play. His contribution was central to their success, earning him a stellar 9/10 rating from Rob Guest of football.london. Kulusevski’s crucial equalizer in the first half showcased his growing confidence, as he combined brilliantly with captain Heung-min Son. Throughout the game, his ability to link up play and create scoring opportunities set him apart, indicating that he is beginning to fully embrace his pivotal role in Postecoglou’s system.
At just 24 years old, Kulusevski is emerging as a key figure for Spurs, especially with playmaker James Maddison being substituted at halftime against West Ham. Kulusevski’s influence on the game grew, making him look like Tottenham’s primary creative force. In fact, some are starting to see parallels between Kulusevski’s rise and the impact of Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, a comparison that speaks volumes about the Swede’s growing stature.
Kulusevski: Spurs’ Answer to Martin Odegaard?
Kulusevski’s energy, intelligence, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game are becoming indispensable to Tottenham’s success. While his recent uptick in goal contributions is a bonus, it is his all-around play that is drawing comparisons to top Premier League midfielders. Pundit Graeme Souness has previously likened Kulusevski to Kevin De Bruyne, but a more fitting comparison may now be to Odegaard, whose influence at Arsenal has made him one of the league’s standout performers.
According to FBref’s statistical model, Odegaard is one of Kulusevski’s most similar counterparts in terms of playing style. Both are left-footed playmakers who excel at carrying the ball, have a knack for finding the back of the net, and possess a competitive streak that elevates their game. Odegaard has been Arsenal’s Player of the Season for two years running and is considered one of the most influential figures in English football today. If Kulusevski continues on his current trajectory, Postecoglou could mold him into a player of a similar caliber, someone capable of being Tottenham’s version of Odegaard.
A Future Star for Spurs
With two goals in his last three Premier League outings, Kulusevski is hitting a rich vein of form just when Tottenham need him most. His newfound consistency and confidence in front of goal make him a potential game-changer for Spurs as they aim to re-enter the Champions League and mount deep runs in cup competitions. If he can maintain this level of performance, Kulusevski could establish himself as one of the premier playmakers in London, potentially rivaling Odegaard for the title of the capital’s top creative midfielder.
Looking ahead, it is clear that Kulusevski’s development is pivotal to Tottenham’s ambitions. As he continues to grow into his role, the Swede could become a defining player for the club, leading them toward greater success in both domestic and European competitions. With Postecoglou’s faith in him and his expanding skill set, Kulusevski is on course to not only be one of Europe’s finest midfielders but also a crucial part of Tottenham’s future success.