Where Dejan Kulusevski sits on Tottenham pecking order
By Gary Pearson
Dejan Kulusevski has arrived in London, awaiting the anticipated start of his tenure at Tottenham, but where will he sit on Antonio Conte’s pecking order?
The 21-year-old Swede hasn’t enjoyed a sterling season thus far at Juventus. Don’t get me wrong, he’s an excellent signing whose reputation is that of a hard working player receptive to feedback. He also puts the team first and shouldn’t have any issue adhering to Conte’s house rules.
As long as he doesn’t touch or consume any ketchup, he’ll make a solid first impression.
The versatile Swede, whose preferred role sees him attacking from an advanced right wing position, has 20 Serie A appearances this season, most of which off the bench.
Which is precisely where he’ll start, in Premier League encounters, from the onset of his Tottenham career. That, of course, is predicated on Son Heung-min being ready to go when Tottenham return to Premier League action on Wednesday, Feb. 9 against Southampton.
Lucas Moura will also pull rank on the newly acquired Swede. The Brazilian has been one of Tottenham’s bright spots this season and is adored by Conte, who loves pretty much everything he does. And rightly so.
Other than Sonny and Eric Dier, Moura, since Conte arrived, is the gaffer’s most valuable player. Which will make it nearly impossible for Kulusevski to step directly into the Italian’s preferred 11.
If Conte tinkers with the formation, there is a chance Kulusevski will start in Moura’s stead. But even if Conte decides to employ a 3-4-1-2 more often, Moura will still probably line up as the side’s starting No. 10. Though his leash in that formation will be much shorter, as Kulusevski has previously played in that role to great effect.
Kulusevski will be battling directly in training with Steven Bergwijn for first-off-the-bench dibs. The Dutchman, aside from his otherworldly heroics against Leicester, has endured a difficult campaign thus far, blighted by inconsistency and two separate injuries.
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I wouldn’t be surprised to see Kulusevski win that battle and earn the honour of being Conte’s first port of call when an injection of fresh blood is needed off the bench.
No matter where he fits into Tottenham’s lineup, supporters will rejoice knowing accomplished help is on the way.
It might just be the boost Tottenham needs to secure the final Champions League spot.