Garth Crooks has lavished praise on Dejan Kulusevski after the Swede picked up a goal and assist in his first start for Tottenham as the North Londoners emerged 3-2 winners against Manchester City.
Kulusevski found the back of the net just four minutes into the match at the Etihad after Harry Kane played a lovely through ball to Son Heung-min, who beat the offside trap and laid it on the plate for the 21-year-old.
The former Juventus man was a threat down the right throughout the game and also worked extremely hard defensively, nullifying Joao Cancelo’s attacking threat down City’s left.
Kulusevski also set up Kane’s match-winner deep into stoppage time as he floated a lovely cross into the box that was met with authority by the England captain.
Crooks named the new Spurs signing along with Kane and Son in his team of the week for BBC Sport and praised the calmness that the winger showed in the final third.
The former Tottenham forward wrote about Kulusevski: “It was his first start in a Tottenham shirt – and what a start! The Swede looked extremely comfortable and took his goal calmly and with the minimum of fuss.
“What I like about this kid is he doesn’t seem in the least bit excitable and may prove to be a valuable addition to Antonio Conte’s new-look Tottenham.
“Hearing that Conte is actually enjoying his time at Spurs these days, in contrast to the rumours circulating recently, must be very comforting if you’re a fan.
“Man Utd made a big mistake not snapping up the Italian manager when he was available and Tottenham must give Conte whatever he wants in order to do his job.”
Spurs Web Opinion
As Conte mentioned in his post-match interview to Spurs TV, it is difficult to pick out just one or two names for praise as there were impeccable performances all across the pitch on Saturday.
Kulusevski was certainly impressive alongside Kane and Son but I feel Sessegnon deserves special mention for his mature defensive display as it cannot have been easy for the youngster after being taken off so early in the game against Wolves.