'He's just getting started': Ange Postecoglou says Tottenham have a talent in their ranks who's 'out of this world'
Today at 04:15 AM
Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou has steadied the ship in recent weeks, embarking on a five-game winning run.
Plenty of Spurs players have stepped up since the North London derby and the mood at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is positive ahead of the international break.
Tottenham have one more game to see out – Sunday’s trip to Brighton – before Postecoglou can once again take stock of everything at Hotspur Way.
One key aspect of Spurs’ upturn in form has been Dejan Kulusevski, who has dazzled since switching to a central midfield position.
The 24-year-old was predominantly used as a winger by Postecoglou last season, but he has impressed in a box-to-box No. 8 role this term.
Kulusevski scored his first goal of the season and created a multitude of chances as Tottenham ran out 3-0 winners at Manchester United last weekend.
Postecoglou has now given his verdict on the Sweden international, including what the player himself thinks about playing centrally.
Ange Postecoglou says Dejan Kulusevski is enjoying playing at No. 8 for Tottenham
The Tottenham boss said Kulusevski’s form has been “out of this world” and that there’s still so much more to come from the player.
In addition, the former Juventus man is enjoying his time at No. 8, added Postecoglou.
“Deki [Kulusevski] is doing great,” Postecoglou said, as per the Evening Standard. “He’s been out of this world in many respects as to what he’s able to do in a central role.
“We used him wide last year because we didn’t have too many options out there and that’s where he was comfortable. We started using him inside and I felt he felt that it unshackled him a little bit.
“He has an unbelievable capacity to run on and off the ball, his physical numbers are ridiculous and he has the quality to hurt teams with that.
“At times out wide he might’ve felt suppressed, especially in our system where you have to hold your position and not be involved, he’s a player who wants to be involved.
“We brought a couple of wide players in this year and I thought let’s go with him inside.
“We played with him as a nine in pre-season and he made an impact. The beauty of Deki is he’s just getting started, he enjoys the role.
“He brings a different dimension to us because there’s not many players like him.”
Kulusevski created nine chances at Man United, more than any other visiting player in history.
READ MORE: Glenn Hoddle shares what Tottenham need to sort out against Brighton
Tottenham team news v Brighton
Kulusevski is now set to return to the XI for Sunday’s visit to Brighton after being rested against Ferencvaros.
On Friday, Postecoglou said he expected Tottenham captain Son Heung-min to miss out as he continues to nurse a muscle issue.
Son pulled up in last week's Europa League win over Qarabag and missed the victories over Manchester United and Ferencvaros.
However, Postecoglou expects Destiny Udogie to be back for the game after he came off at half-time at Old Trafford and didn't travel for the Europa League clash.
"Out of the guys who sort of stayed back, Destiny we think will be okay," the Tottenham boss said, as per the Evening Standard.
"Sonny unlikely, he's pushing hard but I just don't think the turnaround will be quick enough for him to be available at this stage.
"And then that's it, the others are kind of long-term."
