View: 81% star essential to Tottenham after unexpected Ange Postecoglou masterstroke

Ange Postecoglou has been able to get the best out of most players at Tottenham, but Dejan Kulusevski will be the happiest to have the Australian as his manager.

The Sweden international has found his feet once against this season, this time in a somewhat unfamiliar role in the middle of the park.

In the previous campaign, the 24-year-old didn’t have the best of spells, but the former Juventus star has been essential to the success in recent weeks.

Kulusevski has made 15 appearances in all competitions for Spurs, scoring two goals and providing five assists, the latest of which came in the 4-1 win against Aston Villa in the Premier League on 3 November.

Postecoglou has preferred to play a very high line at Tottenham since his appointment, and the system requires the team to work hard when out of possession.

Dejan Kulusevski essential to Tottenham set-up

Kulusevski’s new position has seen him become a cog in the engine room, responsible for linking up the attacks and pressing on the front foot when the team loses the ball.

The 24-year-old has won possession 14 times in the final third this season, ranking first in the Premier League [WhoScored, 6 November].

Overall, the midfielder has contributed immensely to Spurs’ defence in the league, making 10 blocks, 42 recoveries, winning 37 duels and six tackles, as per FotMob.

Going forward, Kulusevski’s xG of 1.37 and xA of 1.64 might not seem impressive, but considering the position he’s playing in, he’s competing with some of the best in the league.

The Swedish national also has around 81 per cent passing accuracy, and 83.3 per cent long ball accuracy, attempting 17 shots and creating 27 chances.

While the emergence of the 24-year-old as a key figure in the starting lineup shouldn’t surprise many, the role he’s doing it in was unexpected.

In other Tottenham news, Daniel Levy will front transfer negotiations as the club look to sign a midfielder.

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