Craig Burley has told ESPN that Juventus attacker Dean Kulusevski “fits the bill” at Tottenham. Kulusevski joined Spurs on deadline day on an 18-month loan deal from Juventus, with a view to a permanent transfer in 2023.
Kulusevski, 21, was signed by Fabio Paratici from Atalanta while the Italian was Juve’s sporting director. The Sweden international has shown magic in glimpses, having a hand in 19 goals during his 74 Juventus appearances.
But he has fallen down the pecking order under Max Allegri and both Spurs and Paratici have swooped. A deal could end up being worth around £35million, if the Swede does sign on at Tottenham permanently.
Asked about the signing of Kulusevski, ESPN pundit Burley has explained why he thinks the wide man is ideal for Antonio Conte. He says Kulusevski is a “grafter” and while he is a good signing, he can be “frustrating”.
“Kulusevski fits the bill. He can be frustrating because, where is his best position? But he is a grafter, a worker. If Conte asks him to run, he will do it. He’s not a slacker, he won’t have to worry about his attitude,” Burley said.
Burley on Kulusevski: Tottenham have pulled rabbit out of the hat
At Juventus, Kulusevski has one half of the two crucial ingredients he needs to become a top, top player. Clearly, the talent is there. While raw, he is already showing he can produce magic on the biggest stage.
He had that stage at Juventus, but what Kulusevski lacked was the guidance of a manager that will get the best out of him. At Tottenham, he once again, has that stage – and potentially, Champions League football next season.
But with Conte in place, and the tactical nous of the Italian, Kulusevski now has the chance to go up a gear or two. His work rate will be utilised by Conte, and it could even be that he is converted into a wing-back.
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