Dejan Kulusevski has said that he feels he is best suited to playing centrally rather than on the flanks, admitting that he sees himself becoming more of an attacking midfielder in the future.
Kulusevski has played overwhelmingly on the right of a front three since arriving at Tottenham under both Antonio Conte and Ange Postecoglou.
The Swede has had mixed success in that role as while he is sometimes able to deliver sublime crosses and is able to arrive late from the wide areas to finish off chances, he does sometimes struggle to beat players in one-on-one situations.
Dejan Kulusevski wants to play as a number 10
The 23-year-old did play as a number ten on a few occasions earlier this season when James Maddison was out injured and he certainly impressed in that role.
Some pundits believe that that is the Tottenham man’s best position, with Leroy Rosenior even telling Premier League Productions (18/03/24 at 5:50 pm) earlier this week that Kulusevski can become as impactful as Manchester City superstar Kevin De Bruyne as a number eight.
The Spurs man himself believes that he is ideally suited to playing more centrally when he can receive the ball in the half-spaces.
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Kulusevski said in an interview with Lean Osman (via Tottenham’s official channel): “That was my position back then, mezzala (a half winger or wide central midfielder). Nah (when asked if this position at Spurs is now his role). I think that in the future – when I’m gonna be at my best – I think it’s gonna be in a central role, but for now, you know, you can adapt.”
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It does seem like the defenders in the Premier League have now figured out how best to defend against the 23-year-old in the wide areas.
They are happy not to commit to the tackle and are asking Kulusevski to take them on, knowing that the Swede does not have the pace to get away from them.
One can understand why the former Juventus man feels he would be a lot more useful centrally when he has more runners around him.
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