Tottenham fans have had their say on who they want to see replace Dejan Kulusevski in the number ten role, with the fanbase split on their preferred option.
Tottenham Hotspur were handed another injury blow ahead of their Europa League clash against Manchester United, with Dejan Kulusevski now sidelined for the rest of the season.
It was confirmed yesterday by the club that, following surgery on his right patella after picking up a knock in Tottenham’s Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace last weekend, the midfielder is now set to begin his rehabilitation.
The club wrote in their official statement: “We can confirm that Dejan Kulusevski suffered an injury to his right patella in our Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace last weekend. Following further specialist consultation, the midfielder has undergone surgery today and will commence his rehabilitation.”
Tottenham fans name their Dejan Kulusevski replacement ahead of Europa League final
With the Swede, James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall now all set to miss the Europa League final, we took to social media to ask Tottenham fans who they would like to see step into the ten role.
Many fans did not hold back, with a range of suggestions that revealed just how divided the fanbase is when it comes to filling Kulusevski’s boots.
One fan simply said: “Odobert”. Another went with: “Son!” while one got creative, proposing: “Bissouma, give him a free role with Sarr and Bentancur sitting”.
Another replied: “For me Sarr, him and Solanke and Richarlison or Son pressing can be hard for United to play around. Then if we need to attack we can bring in Who from Son and Richarlison is on the bench as second striker.”
One fan put forward Mikey Moore: “Mikey Moore. He has looked good whenever given the opportunity this season, plus it keeps the shape by not shoehorning Odobert or Son in behind Solanke.”
Another said: “Tel, in the Dele role as a second striker behind Solanke. Bissouma and Bentancur as double pivot 6s.”
Some went tactical, with one calling for Solanke to drop deeper: “Gotta be Solanke, I would be intrigued to see Richarlison ahead of him, Tel left and Johnson right.”
Another suggested a complete formation switch: “Should bin the number 10 for the final. Play a 3-5-2 formation with two strikers and three centre-backs. Gonna have to rely on Porro, Djed and Solanke to create.”
What Spurs could do without Kulusevski
Tottenham Hotspur are no strangers to managing an injury crisis, as we have seen earlier this season when several key players were ruled out for extended spells.
That period saw the likes of Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall step up impressively, with Ange Postecoglou managing to keep the duo performing despite the injury setbacks.
The Australian boss already tried one of the fan-favoured options, Wilson Odobert, in the clash against Crystal Palace, though he admitted it was not a premeditated decision, but one made out of necessity.
He said: “It was a needs must basis today, I put him in there, he has played there before because I did not want to expose any of the other guys from the other night so he had to play in there.”
We have laid bare our thoughts on how Tottenham could set up in the absence of their creative tens – you can read more here.