Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Alasdair Gold has been writing in his latest column about Dejan Kulusevski’s first training session with his new side.
The Swedish international was granted his work permit, which allowed him to participate in Antonio Conte’s training session ahead of their game at the weekend in the FA Cup.
Would you start Kulusevski on Saturday?
Yes
No
Footage emerged on Thursday of the 21-year-old in action at Hotspur Way where he was able to wrong-foot Harry Kane before back-heeling a pass in a group rondo.
And Gold was left purring over the winger’s skill shown in his first training session with his new teammates, with the game against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday a possible chance for him to make his debut.
“The Swedish attacker wrong-footed Harry Kane with a quick turn and backheel and, from what we were shown, he was using the ball well under pressure whenever it came his way,” wrote Gold for football.london.
TIF Thoughts on Kulusevski playing on Saturday…
As all Spurs fans will know, the club’s trophy drought is now closing in on 14 years and the FA Cup is the last realistic chance of the Lilywhites getting their hands on some silverware this season – with the title out of sight.
The draw has not been kind to Tottenham, with a solid Premier League side arriving in north London on Saturday in Graham Potter’s Brighton & Hove Albion.
We think Conte will be looking to put out a strong side with hopes of advancing against the impressive Seagulls, which could cast doubt over Kulusevski starting.
Having only trained for a couple of days before the game, is Conte likely to throw the Swede straight into the starting XI?
We would say it is probably unlikely with Lucas Moura in fine form and Son Heung-min returning from injury. A gradual introduction from the bench feels more realistic.
In other news: Tottenham outcast sends big message to Antonio Conte ahead of FA Cup clash