During an appearance on The View from the Lane podcast, ESPN’s Natalie Gedra revealed why Tottenham Hotspur defender, Emerson Royal, loves to play with starlet winger Dejan Kulusevski.
The arrival of Antonio Conte saw Spurs bring in the talented young duo in the January transfer window in Rodrigo Betancur and Kulusevki. Both have played a pivotal role in their success under the Italian manager since they arrived in north London.
We have seen the Swedish winger tearing it up on the pitch, but now Emerson Royal has revealed exactly what it is about the player that makes him so special and great to play with at such a young age.
The defender revealed to Gedra that while his physicality is obvious, Kulusevski is also an incredibly smart player for his age and praised the way he sees the game.
Gedra told The View from the Lane podcast: “He [Emerson Royal] said, you wouldn’t believe how easy it is to play with Kulusevski because he is so smart. His vision, like the way he sees the game. It’s quite impressive.
“Everyone’s impressed with him, not only with his physicality because he’s big. And sometimes because he’s, he’s so big, and he has this presence. We forget that he’s a young player. But he is very smart.”
TIF Thoughts on Kulusevski…
The Swedish international has shown himself to be a hugely talented starlet after he joined from Juventus in January. In the back half of last season, he picked up five goals and eight assists in the Premier League and helped the Lilywhites beat their rivals Arsenal to the final Champions League spot.
So far this season the 22-year-old has grabbed one goal and two assists in his first six top-flight games and currently ranks in the 97th percentile for assists and pressures per game as well as the 93rd for interceptions, showing he also chips in on the defensive side of the ball as well.
At just 22 his potential is scary and with a full season under Conte under his belt there is no telling where he could go. Spurs have aspirations to challenge for the Premier League and the Champions League and Kulusevski being on form is going to be key to their success.
Is Kulusevski a top tier talent?Yes
No
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