In Focus: Kulu can only improve as Spurs plot Ange revolution

Tottenham have taken up their option to sign Dejan Kulusevski on a permanent deal from Juventus after the Swede had spent 18 months on loan in North London.

Kulusevski, 23, hit the ground running when he joined under Antonio Conte in January 2022 but his performance levels dipped last season.

However, the arrival of Australian coach Ange Postecoglou will give the young winger a fresh start and the chance to return to his best form ahead of the new campaign.

After signing a five-year deal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, we take a look at how Kulusevski will fit in under the new management.

Creative expert

Kulusevski has usually been deployed on the right of Tottenham's front three and is able to beat his man down the line or cut inside on to his favoured left foot.

But the arrival of 57-year-old Postecoglou may mark a period of change for Spurs, with the ex-Celtic manager keen on a 4-3-3 formation with an attacking No8.

Kulusevski's flexibility will make him a useful tool for the new head coach, who will likely experiment to find each player's best position.

In his first six months in the Premier League, the Scandinavian attacker tallied eight assists and five goals, helping Spurs qualify for the Champions League.

If he can recapture that form in 2023-24, the man affectionately nicknamed Kulu will become a key figure in Tottenham's European chase.

Stumbling blocks

Kulusevski recently reflected on Spurs' poor 2022-23 campaign and has vowed to get back to his best next term.

He said: "For every player, there are ups and downs, and it affects us all a lot because this is what we love. 

"I still think I can grow so much. I'm still young, I'm 23, I hope to play this game for many years, and I think I can improve a lot.

"I'm glad we're getting a new coach with new ideas. What I've read and heard about him is good."

Star performer

Many players were not up to par at Tottenham under Conte but Kulusevski still had to compete with the likes of Richarlison and Heung-Min Son for a spot in the starting XI.

Across the 2022-23 campaign, no Spurs player completed more take-ons than the No21 and only Ivan Perisic recorded more than his seven assists.

His trademark move of cutting in on his left and whipping a strike into the far corner may not have been up to scratch, although it was not through a lack of trying.

Harry Kane and Son are the only players to have recorded more than Kulusevski's 43 shots, but just 10 found the target.

Nothing is given

Kulusevski's form last term represented the reality of football at the top level, according to Ryan Mason.

The former Spurs midfielder, who took charge after Conte and Cristian Stellini left the club, said: "I love Deki as a player. I think he's got so much room to grow and be a top, top player, even though he already is a top, top player.

"At the same time when you play for a club like this, I feel it's important that you feel you have to earn the shirt in every moment."

Kulusevski will be hoping to enjoy a long and successful career in North London — but he must hit the ground running next season.