Juventus loanee Dejan Kulusevski continues to shine for Tottenham Hotspur and the Sweden international has already been identified as the ‘perfect player’ for Antonio Conte.
The Sweden international moved to North London on loan with an option to buy in the January transfer window.
The product of Atalanta academy will remain at Tottenham until June 2023 and Spurs can make his move permanent for €35m at the end of the next season. They have already paid €10m for the player’s 18-month loan.
The 21-year-old has had a scintillating start at Tottenham, scoring two goals and delivering one assist in his first five Premier League appearances, somehow taking his revenge on Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri who didn’t see him as a regular starter in Turin.
Kulusevski takes revenge on Juventus fans in flying Tottenham start
The Athletic has explained the secrets behind Kulusevski’s successful spell at Tottenham and why the former Parma starlet is the ‘perfect player’ for Antonio Conte who has been using him in different positions.
The Italian tactician praised Kulusevski after last weekend’s game with Leeds. “He is showing that he is a fantastic player for the present but also if he continues in this way he can become a really important player. He is strong physically, good technically, he has no fear of the opponent or the tackle,” he told The Athletic.
Kulusevski’s versatility has been highly appreciated by Conte, while Massimiliano Allegri failed to make the most of his qualities at Juventus. No coincidence that Kulusevski has claimed that he struggled in his second season at the club while he had enjoyed his first campaign under Andrea Pirlo.
‘Kulusevski has also added a clinical edge to his game since joining Spurs,’ wrote Charlie Eccleshare.
‘He has scored as many goals in his last three games as he managed in his final 44 Serie A matches for Juventus. This has been an area of his game Kulusevski has wanted to improve for some time.
‘A note of caution is needed given how early we are in Kulusevski’s Spurs career and by how badly Leeds defended on Saturday. Things have already changed quickly for Kulusevski following those underwhelming first couple of games, and they could quickly change back.
‘But the early signs are encouraging, and given the form of Lucas Moura in the first half of the season, it’s impressive how quickly Kulusevski has moved ahead of him and Steven Bergwijn in the battle to play alongside Harry Kane and Son.
‘On top of his hard running, dribbling ability (he completed four of five dribbles against Leeds) and goals, Kulusevski has made a positive impression at Tottenham with his attitude and hard work.’ If the Swede continues to impress, Tottenham will make his move permanent without thinking twice.
No 10, right wing-back, wide forward – & Antonio Conte's "perfect player"
Dejan Kulusevski has already shown his versatility & with #THFC's attacking options limited, his shape-shifting will be important for Conte in the coming months
📝 @CDEccleshare https://t.co/9IAK6ddvwr
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) February 27, 2022
He can’t be that good, even gasperini did not play him