New Tottenham hero Dejan Kulusevski has told the club’s website that he has experienced a “bad couple of months” before joining Tottenham in January. He starred for Spurs on Saturday, beating Manchester City 3-2.
The 21-year-old was handed his first start in a front three with Harry Kane and Son Heung-min. It took him just a few minutes to open the scoring; he could hardly miss – after Son teed him up to score with Ederson stranded.
Then, after Riyad Mahrez had made it 2-2 from the penalty spot in injury time, Kulusevski chased after a clip down the line from Rodrigo Bentancur. Checking back onto his left, he chipped an inviting cross into the box.
Of course, Harry Kane powered home a header – proving too strong for Kyle Walker. In the immediate aftermath, Kulusevski discussed how he has had a bad couple of months – but is delighted to be at Tottenham, feeling lucky.
“It’s been a couple of bad months for me where I haven’t felt like myself, but that feeling was amazing. I’m so grateful for the opportunity this club has given me, the coach letting me play, players helping me a lot. Amazing.”
Kulusevski shines: Tottenham move perfect for Swedish star
Under Andrea Pirlo at Juventus, the hard-working winger was almost first choice – clocking up 47 appearances last season, and having a hand in 14 goals. But the return of Max Allegri saw his chances, and form, diminish.
With Conte now directing him, he has the chance to deploy his best features. Yes, to score and create goals from out wide – but also the ability to work hard and act as a defensive winger. His work rate is excellent.
He spoke about wanting to suffer soon after joining Spurs and he will have been feeling the 90 minutes he played against Manchester City on Sunday morning. But come Wednesday, he is likely to be doing the same again.
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