AngePostecoglou experiment could solve key Tottenham problem amid transfer delay
Tottenham are still on the search for a new striker this summer but Ange Postecoglou may have his perfect solution until a transfer is completed
Tottenham fans are getting used to the sight of Dejan Kulusevski operating in a central position for the team. Spending the vast majority of his time on the right wing for the Lilywhites ever since his move from Juventus, there were occasions last campaign when the Swede was brought infield due to James Maddison’s absence through injury.
The Stockholm-born player did impress in his favourite No.10 role under Ange Postecoglou and also when he was utilised as a striker in the final game of the term away at Sheffield United. Kulusevski’s performance at Bramall Lane did raise questions as to why he was not played in the position earlier at a time when Son Heung-min was getting very little joy as a striker and Richarlison was injured.
Having the strength and power to battle with centre-backs and also the ability to link up with his Tottenham teammates, Kulusevski starred in South Yorkshire and got two goals to his name. He again took on the role in the post-season friendly against Newcastle United in Melbourne and looked at home in the position.
Having played as part of a midfield three in Tottenham’s friendlies against Hearts and QPR, Kulusevski was named as a striker in Tottenham’s front three for last Saturday’s 3-2 win over Vissel Kobe in Tokyo. Although he wasn’t on the scoresheet during his pitch time, he did influence proceedings and teed up Pedro Porro for the opener with a lovely backheel into the path of the onrushing right-back.
His latest assist followed his key roles in Brennan Johnson’s strike against Hearts and Yves Bissouma’s goal away at QPR. The confidence does appear to be in his game at present and that only bodes well for Postecoglou’s side going forward.
Tottenham are very much on the hunt for a new striker this summer but have so far failed to bring in a new frontman for Postecoglou. The head coach does have youthful options for the role in Will Lankshear, Dane Scarlett and Alejo Veliz at present but they may be a tad on the inexperienced side, with established first-team player Richarlison still yet to play in pre-season as he continues to work on his fitness levels after injury brought his 2023/24 campaign to an early end.
That has in turn resulted in Son playing as a striker in the first two friendlies and then Kulusevski playing centrally in the Vissel Kobe match. There is no doubting that Son can score goals as a striker for Postecoglou but the South Korean is far more effective when played in his natural role on the left.
Kulusevski, on the other hand, gives Spurs a bit more presence up front compared to Son and it is perhaps something the head coach should continue with until the new striker the team are crying out for finally arrives. Question marks over Richarlison’s fitness and also his long-term future perhaps throw even more weight behind continuing to persist with Kulusevski as a potential striker option for the time being.
Tottenham still have three more games to go on their pre-season schedule, starting with Team K League on Wednesday before playing successive games against Bayern Munich, and there is every chance Kulusevski carries on his striker role over the next week or so. During the club’s time in Tokyo, the Sweden international spoke to football.london about his central role and he admitted that he is happy to play anywhere for Postecoglou.
think last year was the first time I played as a number 10 in the Premier League, so people could see what I can do from that position,” he said. “This upcoming season, Iโve been playing in the middle in training sessions and in the beginning of the games, but I also know that sometimes I will have to play other roles, and I will have to be prepared to do everything, because ultimately, the only goal is to win, so it doesnโt matter where you play, you just have to whatโs best for the team always.”
You have to do what the manager wants, because the team has a clear path in how they want to play,” said the 24-year-old. “Of course, a winger, you see less of the ball, but you have to be ready all the time to go in the space and put early balls in to cross and always be ready to score goals โ while in the middle, youโre much more involved, so I have to [adapt], of course, when I play.
have to look where I am on the pitch and what I can do for the team, but I have to stay aware of everything, because it can change within a game also. I maybe start as a midfielder, then you go out to be a winger, you know. Last year, I finished the last game as a striker, you’ve got to be ready for everything.”
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