Tottenham Hotspur kicked off their Premier League campaign with a frustrating 1-1 draw against Leicester City, a match marked by missed opportunities and a sense of what could have been.
Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Spurs were unable to secure a victory. One of the main talking points following the match was the decision to leave Dejan Kulusevski out of the starting lineup, a move that puzzled many, including former Spurs defender Graham Roberts.
Kulusevski’s Pre-Season Form Raised Expectations
Dejan Kulusevski, the 24-year-old Swedish forward, has been a topic of discussion among Spurs fans ever since his initial loan move from Juventus in January 2022. His impact was immediate, as he quickly became a fan favorite, thriving on the right wing under former manager Antonio Conte. In just half a season, Kulusevski racked up eight assists and five goals, showcasing his ability to both create and finish chances. His performances during that period were instrumental in helping Spurs secure a top-four finish, earning them a spot in the UEFA Champions League.
However, last season saw Kulusevski struggle to replicate that same level of influence. Despite scoring eight Premier League goals, some fans felt that he had dropped below the standards he had set during his initial spell. This dip in form led to concerns about his long-term role in the team, especially with the arrival of new manager Ange Postecoglou, who brought with him a different tactical approach.
During pre-season, Kulusevski appeared to rediscover some of his best form, playing both as a creative midfielder and as a striker. His versatility and vision on the ball were evident, particularly in a standout performance against Bayern Munich, where he scored twice. This resurgence in form led many to believe that he would be a key player in Postecoglou’s plans for the new season.
Graham Roberts Questions Kulusevski’s Omission
Given Kulusevski’s strong pre-season performances, his omission from the starting XI against Leicester came as a surprise to many. Graham Roberts, a former Spurs defender and two-time FA Cup winner, was particularly vocal about his frustration with the decision. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Roberts expressed his disbelief that Kulusevski did not start, especially after what he considered to be an impressive pre-season campaign.
“After watching the game last night, big disappointment not finishing the chances we created,” Roberts wrote. “For me, I couldn’t believe that Kulu never started. He’s played every pre-season game and was probably our best player in pre-season. We look forward to Saturday—a must-win game. COYS.”
Roberts’ comments echoed the sentiments of many Spurs fans who felt that Kulusevski could have made a significant difference in a game where Tottenham dominated possession but lacked a cutting edge in the final third. With 70% possession and multiple chances created, the absence of Kulusevski, who is known for his creativity and ability to unlock defenses, was felt even more acutely.
Kulusevski’s Role in Postecoglou’s System
While Kulusevski’s exclusion from the starting lineup was surprising, it may also be indicative of a broader tactical dilemma that Postecoglou is facing. The Australian manager has brought a new system to Tottenham, one that emphasizes high-tempo pressing, quick transitions, and fluid attacking play. In this setup, finding the right role for Kulusevski has proven to be challenging.
Traditionally deployed as a right winger, Kulusevski has thrived when given the freedom to cut inside onto his stronger left foot, creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. However, in Postecoglou’s system, the wide positions require players who can both stretch the play and deliver crosses, roles that are typically filled by more traditional wingers or wing-backs. Kulusevski, who is heavily left-footed, has at times struggled to beat his man on the outside and deliver crosses with his weaker right foot.
This limitation has led to speculation that Kulusevski might be better suited to a more central role, either as an attacking midfielder or even as a striker. During pre-season, he was deployed in these positions with some success, particularly as a creative midfielder where his vision and passing ability were more effectively utilized. However, with the arrival of James Maddison, who has been a standout performer in the number 10 role, and the presence of Dominic Solanke up front, competition for these central positions is fierce.
Brennan Johnson vs. Dejan Kulusevski: A Tactical Choice
Another factor in Kulusevski’s omission could be the emergence of Brennan Johnson, who has shown flashes of potential on the right wing. While Johnson’s performances have not been without frustration, his ability to stretch defenses with his pace and willingness to take on defenders may have given him the edge in Postecoglou’s tactical thinking. Johnson’s style of play aligns more closely with the demands of Postecoglou’s system, where wide players are expected to provide width and deliver crosses into the box.
That said, Kulusevski’s qualities cannot be overlooked. His ability to link play, find pockets of space, and deliver precise passes in the final third are attributes that Tottenham will need if they are to break down stubborn defenses throughout the season. His omission against Leicester might have been a tactical decision based on the specific demands of the match, but it also raises questions about how Postecoglou plans to integrate him into the team moving forward.
Looking Ahead: Kulusevski’s Future at Spurs
As Tottenham prepare for their next match, the question of Kulusevski’s role in the team will likely remain a topic of discussion. Given his talent and pre-season form, it’s hard to imagine him being sidelined for long. Whether he is deployed as a winger, an attacking midfielder, or even as a striker, Kulusevski has the potential to be a game-changer for Spurs.
For now, the focus will be on how Postecoglou balances his squad and whether Kulusevski can adapt to the demands of the new system. With a long season ahead, there will undoubtedly be opportunities for him to prove his worth and re-establish himself as a key player for Tottenham. As Graham Roberts and many Spurs fans have suggested, Kulusevski’s omission may have been a missed opportunity against Leicester, but his time to shine will surely come.
