Dejan Kulusevski is loving his new role under Postecoglou – ‘This is my position’

While Dejan Kulusevski has previously played mainly on the right-wing for Tottenham, the Swedish star has been moved to a more central position of late, and he’s flourishing. Here’s what the man himself had to say on the changes and why he’s gotten better at his game.

What is Dejan Kulusevski’s best position?

When Kulusevski first signed for Spurs, he was utilised down the right by Antonio Conte, and Ange Postecoglou did the same last season.

He was pretty good, too. In fact, incredible at times. And yet, injuries and little spells of inconsistency plagued his game over the last few years.

However, Kulusevski has proven his versatility for Postecoglou of late, operating as a false nine in pre-season, and being used as a playmaking number 8 this season so far.

His performance against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon, playing in that more central midfield role, was about as complete as they come.

Discussing his role and what he believes to be his best position, Kulusevski told Football.London that he has worked on certain aspects of his game to improve in the middle of the park.

He said: “This is my position. I grew a lot because now I can defend. Before maybe I didn’t defend as much, and that was why I didn’t play in the midfield.

“But now I’m growing as a player and then I can play to my strengths. I’m best in the middle, I can score goals, I can find good passes.”

The players around him are helping

Kulusevski bagged a lovely goal against United, covered every blade of grass in pressing for the team, and linked up beautifully with the players around him throughout the game.

In particular, the 24-year-old has revealed how happy he is playing in a midfield three with James Maddison and Rodrigo Bentancur.

He added: “I play with Maddison who’s unbelievable with the ball. We have Bentancur who, when he plays like this, is an unbelievable player, so it looks offensive on the paper but right now it’s working really good.”

A complete performance

I don’t think we’ve seen an individual performance of that quality from a Spurs player for years; Kane’s dismantling of Manchester City in February 2022, perhaps?

Kulusevski not only scored a wonderful goal, but he created nine chances on the day, more than anyone has registered at Old Trafford since the 2003/04 season.

As per statistics from DataMB, Kulusevski is leading the way in the Premier League for dribbles per 90 (6.25) and progressive runs per 90 (3.47) this season. I think it’s safe to say we’ve found his best position.

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