An exciting new era is unfolding in the Swedish national team with Tottenham Hotspur star Dejan Kulusevski at the centre.
The 24-year-old has recently been named the new captain of Jon Dahl Tomasson’s team and has also taken on a new position.
Tomasson has Sweden lining up in a 3-5-2 as he bids to get the best out of the nation’s incredible attacking trident of Kulusevski, Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres.
The trio ran riot against Estonia in the Nations League as they combined for a 3-0 win with Gyokeres scoring a brace and Isak also neting.
Ahead of the North London derby, Ange Postecoglou must be taking notes from Kulusevski’s impressive performance in his newfound role.
The Swedish press rave about Kulusevski vs Estonia
Following Kulusveski’s impressive display for the national team, the Swedish press were full of praise for his performance against Estonia.
Svenskafans.com wrote: “Threatens, dribbles, passes and runs. Has taken over as the big creator now and against a team like Estonia he sometimes has a playhouse.”
Meanwhile, Fotbollskanalen claimed: “Was very involved in the attacking game. Built up the attack before 2-0 and then a nice run into the penalty area and assist for 3-0. Good effort against weak opposition. Strong third.”
Kulusevski should take the number 10 role from Maddison
James Maddison’s time in the number 10 role could and maybe should be up as Kulusevski once again impressed playing there for Sweden.
He produced a wonderful display through the middle against Estonia managing 102 touches, 59/69 accurate passes, 12 passes into the final third, six out of eight dribbles completed and six chances created.
Last season, it became apparent that the Swede was no longer effective on the wing and his skillset was better suited to a more central role.
Over pre-season, Kulusevski impressed supporters as he played down the middle and there has been a hope he would continue to play there this season.
However, so far, Postecoglou has opted for Maddison as his main creator in midfield despite question marks hanging over his form.
The former Leicester man produced a pretty underwhelming display against Newcastle and perhaps highlighted the need for Kulusevski.
How Tottenham should line-up vs Arsenal
Tottenham are expected to have both Dominic Solanke and Micky van de Ven back to face Arsenal with the duo having missed the defeat to Newcastle.
Postecoglou will benefit hugely from having the duo back with Solanke offering him a presence up top and Van de Ven’s pace in defence.
Brennan Johnson could return to the line-up to replace Odobert with the young winger showing signs of still being quite raw. Johnson looked good off the bench against Newcastle and Solanke leading the line will help him.
Possible Tottenham line-up vs Arsenal (4-3-3): Vicario; Porro, Van de Ven, Romero, Udogie; Bissouma, Kulusevski, Sarr; Son, Johnson, Solanke.
Receive a digest of our best Spurs content each week direct to your mailbox
