Tottenham Hotspur are set to face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday night, as manager Ange Postecoglou and his squad look to bounce back from a recent defeat. Despite some inconsistent performances from Tottenham players this season, one standout performer has shown immense growth, and Postecoglou believes there is even more potential to unlock.
Ahead of Wednesday’s fixture, Postecoglou spoke to *football.london*, offering high praise for Dejan Kulusevski, a player who has emerged as one of Spurs’ most reliable assets this season. Kulusevski, known for his skill and energy, has taken on a central role in the team, displaying a maturity that has impressed both fans and his manager alike.
Kulusevski attributes his success to his increasing maturity, which has allowed him to thrive in a central midfield role. Postecoglou acknowledged this growth and remarked on the Swedish international’s evolving leadership qualities. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Postecoglou shared his thoughts on Kulusevski’s development and the learning experiences that have fueled it.
“I think Deki is growing, but that’s kind of where we are as a group,” said Postecoglou. “Many of our players are maturing and learning through experiences. For Deki, the weekend was another growth period because he got hurt early on and wasn’t happy with it. He lost a bit of composure, but that’s another lesson for him.”
Postecoglou went on to emphasize the importance of learning to channel frustration into positive energy for the team. “To understand that setbacks are part of it and to focus on helping the team instead of feeling personally aggrieved — that’s where we are as a group, and that’s where our growth comes from,” he explained.
Reflecting on Kulusevski’s performances this season, Postecoglou called him “fantastic” and commended both his contributions and his mindset. “Deki has been fantastic for us this year, not just in his output but also in his attitude and mentality. I think there’s even more to come.”
Since moving into a central role, Kulusevski has become one of the Premier League’s most consistent and impactful players. His performances have gained recognition beyond just Tottenham supporters, as he consistently influences games and exhibits leadership on the pitch. At only 24, he has shown a blend of skill and maturity that has made him indispensable to Tottenham’s setup under Postecoglou.
Kulusevski’s trajectory promises a bright future for both club and country. His continued growth in Tottenham’s midfield could further solidify his role as a vital player for the Swedish national team as well. His ability to adapt, combined with Postecoglou’s confidence in his potential, suggests he could soon reach even greater heights. As Tottenham strive for their first major trophy since 2008, having a player like Kulusevski, who can perform under pressure and lead by example, will be crucial.
Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash against Manchester City provides another platform for Kulusevski to showcase his abilities. With Tottenham eager to end their trophy drought, Postecoglou and his team will be counting on players like Kulusevski to step up in these key moments. His development has been a bright spot in Tottenham’s season so far, and it will be exciting to see how much further he can go.