Dejan Kulusevski is quickly establishing himself as a pivotal figure in Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur squad. As the 2024/25 season unfolds, Kulusevski’s performances have stood out, making him one of the club’s key players. His contributions are not only evident at the club level but also on the international stage with Sweden.
Kulusevski’s rise in leadership was highlighted during recent international breaks, where he had the opportunity to captain the Swedish national team. He stepped into the captaincy when regular leader Victor Lindelof was unavailable. His ability to don the armband twice demonstrates his growing influence within the team. His leadership qualities have been recognized, and this experience has been crucial for both his personal development and his contributions to the national side.
This season has seen Kulusevski excel in his performances for Tottenham, solidifying his reputation as a standout player. His maturity and increasing responsibility on the field are apparent to fans and coaches alike. The 24-year-old winger is not only focusing on his game but is also keen on fostering a sense of unity among his teammates. He attributes his recent success to a combination of personal growth and new responsibilities, including the recent birth of his daughter, Leonie. This life event has profoundly impacted him, motivating him to strive for excellence in his career. Kulusevski has expressed that being a father has enhanced his enjoyment of football, making it “even more fun” for him.
Following Tottenham’s impressive 3-0 victory over Manchester United, Kulusevski mentioned that his daughter serves as his biggest motivation. This newfound perspective is helping him embrace his role both on and off the pitch, inspiring his teammates along the way. His commitment to improvement is evident, and the coaching staff at Tottenham see his potential to grow even further.
Ange Postecoglou, who took over as head coach in the summer of 2023, has implemented a leadership structure within the team. He appointed Son Heung-min as captain, with Cristian Romero and James Maddison as vice-captains. Kulusevski’s emergence as a leader complements this structure, adding depth to Tottenham’s leadership group. Another key figure, Guglielmo Vicario, was also included in this leadership framework, which reflects the team’s commitment to developing a strong core of leaders.
Kulusevski has learned from some of the best in the game, having played alongside legendary figures like Cristiano Ronaldo, Gianluigi Buffon, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He acknowledges the influence these players have had on him, shaping his approach to leadership. In previous comments, he has noted the importance of bringing energy and direction to the team, something he aims to do through both words and actions.
His teammate Ludwig Augustinsson has also highlighted Kulusevski’s natural leadership abilities. Augustinsson described Kulusevski as a “pusher” who takes the initiative, both on the pitch and in the dressing room. He has seen Kulusevski become more open and engaged, which aligns with his growing role as a leader within the squad.
As the season progresses, it is clear that Kulusevski is on a trajectory to become an even more significant player for Tottenham and Sweden. His combination of talent, maturity, and newfound leadership qualities positions him as a key asset for the team. The club’s success will benefit from Kulusevski’s contributions, and fans can look forward to watching him grow in this role.
In summary, Dejan Kulusevski is not just a talented player; he is evolving into a leader for Tottenham Hotspur. His recent experiences, both personal and professional, are shaping him into a vital component of the team’s aspirations for success. With his commitment to improvement and a strong sense of responsibility, Kulusevski’s impact will likely continue to grow in the coming months.
