Garth Crooks has told his BBC Sport Team of the Week column to exercise the permanent option in Tottenham’s loan deal for Dejan Kulusevski after another goal and assist for Spurs on Saturday, in a 4-0 win over Aston Villa.
Kulusevski, 21, would have been forgiven for making a slow start to life in the Premier League. A young player, struggling for game time at Juventus, the Sweden international was making his first foray into English football.
But he could not have started better. The 22-time Sweden ace already has nine goal involvements in 11 Premier League games – scoring three and laying on six assists. A goal and an assist for Kulusevski, on Saturday.
Enough to earn him a place in ex-Spurs star Crooks’ TOTW. Discussing his current loan situation, Crooks urged Fabio Paratici to strike the permanent £25million (Mail) clause in his deal before Juventus want him back.
“He is on loan but the quicker they make his position at Tottenham permanent the better. Kulusevski has been a revelation, he brings a certain quality to the side, a healthy competition for places,” Crooks said.
Crooks on Kulusevski: Tottenham need to heed ex-star’s advice
Crooks is absolutely right. Arguably, Kulusevski has proven to be the signing of the January window in the Premier League – already laying on more assists than one every two games in England’s top flight.
Not only that, but he has overtaken a player in Lucas Moura who has been excellent at times this season. He turns 22 later this month, and to sign such a good player, at such a young age, for such a low price – a no-brainer.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
