Tottenham Hotspur players have dispersed for international duty following a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United, and while this loss would typically give a manager like Ange Postecoglou time to re-evaluate, the international break has put a pause on that.
Postecoglou, who saw his team dominate possession against Newcastle but still fall short, now faces the challenge of preparing for the upcoming North London derby against Arsenal, with a nervous wait for his players’ return, hoping none pick up injuries on international duty.
Among those heading off for international fixtures is Tottenham’s Swedish winger Dejan Kulusevski, who is set to take a significant leap in his international career.
Kulusevski Set to Captain Sweden
The standout news for Kulusevski, who has already earned 39 caps for Sweden at just 24 years old, is that he will captain the national team in their upcoming matches against Azerbaijan and Estonia. This marks a huge milestone in his career, as he steps in to wear the armband in the absence of regular captain Victor Lindelof.
While Kulusevski has long been seen as a rising star for both club and country, his appointment as captain further highlights the leadership qualities he has begun to develop. This new role is especially significant given the responsibility of leading a national team, and it demonstrates the trust Sweden’s coaching staff places in him.
Sweden’s left-back Ludwig Augustinsson, formerly of Aston Villa, spoke highly of Kulusevski’s leadership, praising his natural ability to motivate his teammates. Speaking to TV4, Augustinsson noted how Kulusevski’s influence in the dressing room has grown over time.
“He has natural leadership qualities. He is a pusher. He wants to move forward, he takes the initiative. He drives the team on the pitch and more and more in the dressing room,” said Augustinsson. He added, “He is much more open and outgoing than before. He is growing more and more into a leader, and he has a lot of experience at the highest level. It feels natural that it is he who takes the armband.”
Postecoglou’s Dilemma with Kulusevski at Tottenham
While Kulusevski thrives on the international stage and embraces his role as a leader, his position at Tottenham under Ange Postecoglou remains uncertain. The Swedish star, signed for £25 million, was brought to Spurs as a right-winger, but there are concerns about whether he fits into Postecoglou’s tactical preferences.
The Australian manager has a clear vision of how he wants his team to play, with a heavy emphasis on speed and dynamism, particularly on the wings. This is evidenced by the recent signings of Brennan Johnson, Timo Werner, and Wilson Odobert—players known for their pace and ability to stretch defenses. Kulusevski, though creative and technically gifted, lacks the blistering speed that Postecoglou typically seeks in wide players.
As a result, Kulusevski has often found himself being utilized in different roles. In pre-season, he was tested as a false nine, and while he impressed in that position, Tottenham’s acquisition of Dominic Solanke means that role is now filled. Furthermore, with James Maddison firmly establishing himself as the team’s primary attacking midfielder, it leaves Kulusevski in an awkward position.
Postecoglou has experimented with moving Kulusevski into a more central, attacking midfield role, where his creativity and vision can be maximized. However, playing both Kulusevski and Maddison together may not always be viable, particularly against stronger opponents, as both players occupy similar spaces on the pitch. If Postecoglou is forced to choose between the two, Maddison—who has been one of Spurs’ standout players since his arrival—will likely be the first name on the team sheet.
Kulusevski’s Development Under Postecoglou
Despite the tactical uncertainty, one aspect of Kulusevski’s time under Postecoglou that cannot be overlooked is his personal development. The Swede has spoken about the impact Postecoglou has had on him, not just as a player but as a leader. Earlier this year, Kulusevski shared that he had delivered a team talk to his Sweden teammates that was inspired by Postecoglou’s methods. This influence has been key in Kulusevski’s growth, particularly as he steps into a more prominent leadership role with Sweden.
Postecoglou’s ability to foster leadership qualities in his players is well-documented, and it appears that Kulusevski has taken this to heart. Whether or not he becomes a regular starter for Spurs under the Australian manager, his evolution into a leader both on and off the pitch is a testament to his maturity and ambition.
What’s Next for Kulusevski at Tottenham?
With Tottenham’s squad continuing to evolve under Postecoglou, the future remains uncertain for Kulusevski. While he possesses undeniable talent, the tactical fit is a question mark. If Postecoglou continues to favor speed on the flanks, Kulusevski may find himself either adapting to a more central role or becoming a rotational player rather than a guaranteed starter.
That said, Tottenham’s heavy fixture list, which includes domestic competitions and a potential European campaign, could provide ample opportunities for Kulusevski to make his mark. His versatility, capable of playing across various attacking positions, will likely ensure that he remains an important squad member.
However, with the recent influx of attacking talent and the success of players like Maddison and Solanke, it is clear that Kulusevski will need to continue adapting his game to fit Postecoglou’s system. Whether that means evolving into a more central playmaker or improving his physical attributes to compete on the wings, the next few months will be crucial in determining Kulusevski’s long-term role at Tottenham.
Kulusevski’s Dual Path
Dejan Kulusevski finds himself at an intriguing crossroads in his career. On the international stage, he is stepping into a leadership role for Sweden, with the potential to become a key figure for his country in the years to come. His captaincy against Azerbaijan marks a major milestone, one that could propel him into the upper echelons of Swedish football.
At Tottenham, however, his role is less defined. While he continues to develop under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou, tactical preferences and competition for places mean that his long-term future at Spurs is still in question. Kulusevski’s versatility, creativity, and leadership qualities make him a valuable asset, but whether he can consistently fit into Postecoglou’s high-octane system remains to be seen.
As Tottenham prepare for a crucial stretch of the season, culminating in the always-anticipated North London derby, Kulusevski will be hoping to return from international duty with not only his leadership boosted but also a clearer idea of where he fits into Postecoglou’s plans. Until then, Spurs fans can take pride in watching one of their own captaining his national team, even as questions linger about his long-term place in the Tottenham setup.