Kulusevski continues to be integral to Postecoglou's Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur have been navigating their latest injury and personnel crisis with a mixed bag of outcomes. After dropping three games to Chelsea, Wolves, and Villa, the team traveled to the Etihad to take on defending champions, Manchester City.

Pundits said Ange Postecoglou's attacking style could not work without the proper players, especially when the defense is being trod out with four fullbacks. Yet, the pesky Spurs nicked a 3-3 draw against City. Much of that was thanks to the work of Dejan Kulusevski.

Kulusevski has been the unsung hero of this team. With attacking midfield options thin, he has moved to the No. 8 role next to Giovani Lo Celso and has looked spectacular. His passing and control of the ball have allowed Tottenham to keep playing their brave style, and while it hasn't resulted in the amount of goals Postecoglou thinks they can score, you can see why he continues to put Kulusevski out there every match.

The game against City on Sunday proved to be the real vindication for Kulusevski. Even after moving back to right winger in the 2nd half, he and Pedro Porro's link-up play was sublime. The former Juventus winger kept possession of the ball against a City press that suffocated Tottenham all match.

Then came Brennan Johnson marauding down the left as stoppage time began. And there was Kulusevski, who leaped over Nathan Aké to head in an equalizer that sealed a late point for the Lilywhites. The hero against Sheffield United was once again the hero against Manchester City.

In his post-match interview, Kulusevski said, "We proved we can play against anybody, without a lot of good players. We just have to grow a little bit mentally and we're going to be at the top. That's the only thing missing. The football is there. The coach is there. We have everything at Tottenham."

Charlie Eccleshare wrote a piece in The Athletic highlighting Kulusevski's quiet yet strong performances for Tottenham as of late. He may not have the speed of most other wingers, but his passing and skill on the ball make him that much more clutch. He's shown he can operate in a midfield role, too, and it would not be surprising to see Postecoglou continue with the Swede as a No. 8 or No. 10 going forward. Even when James Maddison returns, the two could play together in the same midfield.

Kulusevski has battled some criticism because he doesn't score a high volume of goals. But make no mistake: he has been one of Tottenham's best players, especially during this injury crisis. At only 22 years of age, there is still plenty of room for improvement for the young man.