Dejan Kulusevski is making headlines for his standout performances as Tottenham Hotspur progresses through the tense contours of the League Cup, showcasing both individual brilliance and pivotal teamwork. The Swedish forward’s latest display came during Tottenham's thrilling 4-3 victory over Manchester United, where he found the net and played a key role, propelling his team to the semi-finals of the tournament.
The match, held on December 19, 2024, saw Kulusevski score just after halftime, putting Tottenham firmly on the path to victory. His goal not only highlighted his scoring ability but also marked his significant contribution to the team's overall success this season. With six goals and seven assists across 25 matches, Kulusevski has established himself as one of the most reliable figures on the pitch. "I definitely think we can hurt Liverpool on Sunday. The win over United is now gone, it's history, so it's about recovering and hopefully we'll win the next one," he remarked, reflecting his ready mindset as he prepares for the upcoming intense fixtures against Liverpool.
But Kulusevski’s prowess extends beyond the numbers. During the week leading up to the match against United, he expressed enthusiasm about reuniting with Amad Diallo, his former academy colleague from Atalanta's youth setup. "His talent is unbelievable. He has been by far one of [Manchester United’s] best players this season. He has so much talent and it will take him [far]. He will probably play [on Thursday] so it will be fun to play against him," Kulusevski noted, emphasizing their camaraderie developed during their formative years.
The encounter between the two young stars added another layer of intrigue to the game, as Diallo also showcased his skills by scoring for United, contributing to what became one of the season's most exciting matches. After the game, Diallo reflected on their history, saying, "Same school, same class, playing together at Atalanta. Always a pleasure to see you again Deki," underscoring the bond they formed during their youth.
Looking back at their academy days, Kulusevski recounted, "Atalanta was a beautiful football club and they knew their talent. It was not only him, it was a lot of good players." This recognition of their shared background not only adds depth to their rivalry but also highlights the nurturing environment they grew up in, which has evidently contributed to their current successes.
Since the beginning of this season, Spurs have handed Kulusevski added responsibility by shifting him to the attacking midfield role under manager Ange Postecoglou. The results have been positive, with the 24-year-old adapting remarkably well. He has demonstrated versatility—filling multiple positions and delivering consistently strong performances, which have earned praise from pundits and fans alike. ESPN commentator Ian Darke noted, "Kulusevski has been a bright spark, scoring in his last four as well. They’ve also been able to use him in a variety of positions. The goal at Rangers, for example, was very well taken at a difficult place to go, and Tottenham needed it."
This flexibility has added unpredictability to Spurs’ attack, making Kulusevski difficult to defend against. His affinity for creating opportunities, whether he's dribbling down the wing or penetrating through the middle, has allowed Tottenham to remain competitive, particularly with their festive fixtures looming. Kulusevski's determination became evident as he stated, "I still feel very hungry and I still feel dangerous. That's the plan, to be how everybody wants to be on the pitch, you want to feel comfortable and unstoppable."
With their upcoming matches against Liverpool—who currently sit atop the league—Kulusevski emphasizes the importance of maintaining momentum. The stakes cannot be underestimated, as the result of these games could significantly transform Tottenham's season, both in league positioning and cup aspirations. “This season we have everything to play for, even in the league. Yes we've lost a lot of points but we are still there if we win a couple of games. We've just got to keep going and it can be a big season for everyone involved,” he revealed, prodding for consistency as the squad heads toward the New Year.
Although Tottenham has faced challenges, Kulusevski's contributions are shining through as they aim to build on their latest resurgence of form. With newfound confidence and camaraderie highlighted by his interactions with Diallo, Spurs fans have every reason to be hopeful. His role remains pivotal, with all eyes set on how he can impact their campaign moving forward as they seek silverware.
