“It is important”: 59-year-old tells Tottenham & Newcastle stars to step up

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Sweden manager Janne Andersson has been speaking to the media about Dejan Kulusevski and Alexander Isak, with a clear message sent to the Tottenham and Newcastle stars.

What’s the story?

Well, given the pair’s status as top players in the Premier League, the 59-year-old has encouraged the Swedish duo to step up and become leaders amongst the Sweden squad during international breaks.

As quoted by Fotboll Skanalen, Andersson said: “For example, a player like Dejan. He has made 25 – 30 international matches. He made his debut in 2018. Alexander Isak scored a goal in the national team in 2017, that’s five-and-a-half years ago.

“Take responsibility. For example, should you go to press, who is in charge, when do you go. Through action, through doing good things on the field. It’s not going out and pulling up some trees, but it’s these little things to take care of, and also in the preparations, to then bring their experiences, because these are players who are in good clubs and have good coaches and teammates.”

Clearly, Andersson thinks a lot of Kulusevski and Isak, with the Swede keen to see the pair grow in terms of stature away from the pitch as their status on the field grows in England.

Tottenham & Newcastle have a pair of wonderkids

If Kulusevski and Isak adhere to Andersson’s advice and become leaders on the international scene, it is sure to only improve their performances in the Premier League.

Whatever happens, both Spurs and the Magpies already have two sensational footballers on their hands.

The Swedish duo are both just 22 years of age, but they already boast vast first-team experience at club level as well as for their country.

Kulusevski has won 25 caps for Sweden, while also making 144 first-team appearances for Atalanta, Juventus, Parma and Tottenham.

Isak – a £63m signing from Real Sociedad – also boasts impressive experience, winning 37 caps for Sweden while also racking up 194 first-team appearances, including a spell at Borussia Dortmund.

Antonio Conte and Eddie Howe are lucky to have them in their respective squads, and if they can avoid serious injuries, the sky is the limit for them.