Club legend Clive Allen thinks one Tottenham Hotspur star looks like he has ‘taken off his jacket’ and is finally playing with freedom under Ange Postecoglou.
Kulusevski’s evolving role
Dejan Kulusevski has been a player to watch for Tottenham this season, with performances that seem to grow in importance with every match he plays.
His intelligent movement and ability to find space in the final third have made him one of Ange Postecoglou’s key men, especially in the recent 4-1 victory over West Ham United, where Kulusevski found the back of the net to help steer Spurs back on track after a difficult loss to Brighton.
His role on the pitch has taken on new dimensions this season, as he has switched from a wide winger to a more central, creative force under Postecoglou’s free-flowing system, allowing him to showcase his all-around abilities.
Tottenham’s revival under Postecoglou has been built on a high-pressing, possession-based style, and Kulusevski has adapted brilliantly. The Swede’s work rate is relentless, and he now finds himself at the centre of Spurs’ attacking play, linking up with teammates and dictating moves from around the opponent’s box.
His performances are not just about scoring goals, although his strike against West Ham proved vital, but about being a complete midfielder who can create, run at defences, and contribute defensively as well. The 24-year-old has started to look like a player capable of fulfilling the huge potential he displayed when he first joined the Premier League.
Clive Allen’s take on Kulusevski
Former Spurs forward Clive Allen has seen it all when it comes to top talents at the club, and his recent praise for Kulusevski reflects just how much the Swedish star has impressed this season.
On the Review Show on SpursPlay, Allen spoke with admiration about how Kulusevski has transformed his game under Postecoglou’s system, comparing his shift in form to the liberation of shedding weight.
He said: “It’s almost like he [Kulusevski] has taken off a jacket and he is enjoying the role that he is playing. We’re seeing the best of him and you just sense there’s a great confidence about the role that he is playing at the moment.”
The numbers certainly support Allen’s claims, as Kulusevski stands out not only in the Premier League but across Europe as well. The versatile midfielder currently leads the charts for his position in offensive duels won, key passes made, and progressive runs, according to DataMB
It’s clear that this freedom given to him by Postecoglou has unlocked Kulusevski’s potential. The new role seems to suit Kulusevski perfectly, as he thrives on being able to operate in multiple areas of the pitch, which makes him a difficult player to mark and a constant danger to opposing defences.
Kulusevski’s growing importance to Spurs
In terms of sheer work rate and tactical contribution, Kulusevski has become one of Tottenham’s most influential players this season. His ability to cover ground and sustain his intensity throughout the match is what sets him apart, and it’s no wonder he ranks among the top players in Europe for sprints and distance covered per game.
The Swede’s stamina is remarkable, and his engine allows him to play a box-to-box role where he contributes as much to the press and defensive shape as he does to the attack.
Kulusevski’s statistics show that he is a player Tottenham can’t afford to overlook in their bid for success this season. With his vision, physicality, and the confidence to take risks in the final third, he has quickly become the heartbeat of Tottenham’s offence.
It’s clear that, if Spurs are to push for a top-four finish and challenge for silverware under Postecoglou, Kulusevski will play a pivotal role in their journey forward.