In a shocking turn of events, French international Paul Pogba has completed a move to Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur, signing a three-year contract with the North London outfit. The deal, which has taken many by surprise, marks a new chapter in Pogba’s career after his departure from Juventus earlier this summer.
Pogba, who made headlines for his high-profile return to Juventus in 2022 following a tumultuous spell at Manchester United, struggled with injuries and off-field controversies during his time in Turin. After Juventus terminated his contract following a positive test for testosterone, the midfielder’s future had seemed uncertain. However, in a dramatic twist, the 31-year-old has now secured a move to Spurs, a club looking to rebuild after a turbulent period under previous manager Antonio Conte and a change in ownership.
Tottenham, under new manager Ange Postecoglou, are keen to strengthen their squad, and Pogba’s arrival adds significant depth and quality to their midfield. Known for his physicality, creativity, and ability to control the game, Pogba is expected to bring leadership and experience to the Spurs’ midfield. The Frenchman, who has won major trophies with both Manchester United and the French national team, is eager to revitalize his career in the Premier League and help Spurs challenge for top honors.
The move comes as a major surprise, as many expected Pogba to return to his roots in France or potentially make a switch to a club in one of Europe’s top leagues. Tottenham’s ability to secure Pogba on a free transfer, offering him a lucrative contract, demonstrates the club’s ambition and desire to compete at the highest level. It remains to be seen how the midfielder will fit into Postecoglou’s playing style, but there is no doubt that his experience and skill set will be invaluable.
Fans and pundits alike are eager to see how Pogba’s arrival will impact Tottenham’s season as they aim to build on their early progress under the new manager. If Pogba can return to his best form, Spurs will have landed a real coup.
Glenn Hoddle believes Dejan Kulusevski has been Tottenham’s best player ‘by a mile’ this season.
The statistics also back up the Spurs legend’s pick for the club’s standout performer.
Kulusevski has a modest two goals and two assists in 11 Premier League matches but his play has been electric this seasonCredit: Getty
Hoddle appeared on talkSPORT Breakfast on Wednesday to discuss his former club’s fortunes this term, suggesting the form of Kulusevski has played a key role in the drop in minutes for teammate James Maddison.
Maddison has played just 14 minutes off the bench across Spurs’ last two league matches.
Meanwhile, Kulusevski has featured in every match so far across all competitions having been given a new midfield role by Ange Postecoglou.
Hoddle explained: “Kulusevski had a chance when Maddison was injured to play in that number 10 role. And he’s done such a positive amount of work in there with the ball and without the ball. He really has.
He’s come alive. If you said to me, who’s the best player at Tottenham this year so far? Kulusevski by a mile. He really has been good in that position.
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“He loves playing in that position. I think he had a couple of games or a little bit of a spell at Juventus there. But, you know, he does great on the wing.
“But since he’s been in there, and I think there’s certain games he’s played the pair of them in there, but since he’s put (Pape Matar) Sarr in there, a bit of energy, particularly in the second half.
That’s the midfield that he wants the balance for. I think James is a wonderful player. And before his injury, I think he was doing excellent for Spurs.
The other thing, the other scenario that comes to mind for me is a creative number 10. You don’t want both full-backs going in there. Where’s your space?
“You know, if Maddison’s playing or whoever’s playing number 10, it’s very difficult. The space, actually, funny enough, is out in the right and the left-back position, where the full-backs would be.
Having both in there, sometimes I would say, if I was playing, wow, this is tough in here. There’s so many bodies in here.
“And, you know, I think that’s something. Maybe one full-back going in is what City do and other clubs maybe do.
“Maybe that might suit us a little bit more and give the likes of Maddison and certainly Kulusevski. But I think it’s Kulusevski that’s the real reason why he hasn’t been able to put him in.”
The Sweden international has swapped the right wing for midfield this term, featuring both in the no.10 role as well as even deeper.
More recently, he has partnered Pape Matar Sarr as a holding midfielder for Postecoglou’s side.
Despite moving away from his responsibilities as a winger, Kulusevski has still scored two goals and provided five assists in 17 appearances.
He is currently Spurs’ most creative player as well, leading the way with five assists, ahead of Maddison on four.
The 24-year-old also showed his class during Sweden’s Nations League campaign across the last two months.
Kulusevski created the most big chances, the most chances from open play and won possession the most times in the entire competition.
His performances also helped Sweden win promotion to League B with two goals and two assists in their six matches.
