Tottenham Hotspur’s recent form has shown significant improvement, moving from a challenging start to a string of victories. Manager Ange Postecoglou has made strategic changes, most notably shifting Dejan Kulusevski from the wing to a central midfield role. This adjustment has proven successful, allowing Kulusevski to excel in his new position.
Kulusevski’s performance this season contrasts with his last, where he had a quiet second half. Despite scoring eight goals and providing three assists across 39 appearances, his contributions dwindled significantly after January. In the final 17 league games of the previous season, he only managed three goals and one assist. Nonetheless, Postecoglou’s faith in him has paid off. Kulusevski has already netted one goal and made two assists in his eight appearances this season. He has stood out, particularly in creating chances, even breaking records at Old Trafford.
Before Tottenham signed Kulusevski, they had their eyes on another talented winger: Ousmane Dembélé. In January 2022, Spurs inquired about the Barcelona player’s availability as the Catalan club sought a contract renewal or a transfer. However, when Dembélé was offered to Spurs later that month, they declined. They believed their squad was already well-stocked in that position, especially after signing Kulusevski.
The decision to sign Kulusevski instead of Dembélé seems wise for several reasons. First, Dembélé’s injury record is concerning. Throughout his career, he has missed 141 games due to injuries, compared to Kulusevski’s 17. While Dembélé managed to stay fit last season, the history of his injuries raises doubts about his reliability.
Financial considerations also played a role. After moving to Paris Saint-Germain for £43.5 million, Dembélé signed a contract reportedly worth £401,000 per week. This salary would have disrupted Tottenham’s wage structure and posed challenges for future signings. Kulusevski, on the other hand, provides quality at a more reasonable cost.
Furthermore, Dembélé’s age and recent controversies add to the argument against signing him. At 27, he is three years older than Kulusevski and has recently had issues with PSG’s coach, Luis Enrique, resulting in his exclusion from match squads. Such conflicts may not align with Postecoglou’s vision for team cohesion.
In summary, while Dembélé is undoubtedly a talented player, his injury issues, high wages, and recent fallout with management highlight why Spurs made a prudent choice in signing Kulusevski. His contributions on the pitch and adaptability in various roles have greatly benefited the team. As Tottenham continues to build momentum, Kulusevski’s presence in the midfield is proving to be a crucial element of their success. With the right strategy and player choices, Spurs are on the path to achieving their goals this season.
