The Daily Mail’s Matt Barlow heaps the ultimate praise on one Tottenham star, stating that he is showing shades of Paul Gascoigne with his enterprising and creative play.
The adjective ‘unplayable’ has already been used on many occasions to describe a Dejan Kulusevski performance this season, but to deliver a performance fitting that description at the home of the champions was a clear statement by the Swede.
If there was still anyone doubting if the winger now belongs among the elite of European football, their doubts would have been put to rest after his showing at the Etihad Stadium.
In a game which was full of world-class players, the 24-year-old stood head and shoulders above the rest, dominating his opponents physically while also constantly producing magic with the ball at his feet.
Matt Barlow is the latest journalist to wax lyrical about the Swede, describing the Spurs man as a ‘revelation’ on the back of his showing against Manchester City.
Barlow wrote in his latest column: “The headlines were about Manchester City hitting a wall, the goal hero was James Maddison on his birthday and Dejan Kulusevski was the best player on the pitch, which will come as no surprise to anyone who has been watching Tottenham closely.
“Kulusevski has been a revelation whether out on the right wing where he did the damage at City or deeper and more central in midfield, where Ange Postecoglou has often taken to using him in his second season.
“He is strong and seemingly indefatigable with the nerve to get hold of the ball in tight spaces, neat feet belying his towering stature and a magical left foot.”
The journalist admitted that watching Kulusevski get away from defenders evoked memories of watching Gazza in his prime.
He added: “There was a hint of vintage Gazza about the way he bounced through those challenges and emerged with the ball just as there are often flickers of Chris Waddle when he chops the ball inside and teases in crosses from the right as he did for Maddison’s first.”
Barlow pointed out that Pep Guardiola has expressed his admiration for Kulusevski in the past and suggested that an offer from Man City might soon follow.
He advised Tottenham to tie down the former Juventus man to a new long-term contract as soon as possible.
The reporter added: “‘Ooof what a player,’ as Pep Guardiola put it in one of those casual post-match asides that make you suddenly wonder what City might be plotting, like that time he hailed Matheus Nunes as one of the best players in the world and then, a couple of years later went and paid £52million to sign him from Wolves.
“For the record, Kulusevski’s deal still has three-and-a-half years run but, if Spurs have any sense, they will be busy making plans to tie down the Sweden international who joined, initially on loan, from Juventus in January 2022.”
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