Ange Must Unleash Spurs’ ‘titanic’ £85,000 Star in Kulusevski

Hardly anyone would dispute that Tottenham Hotspur have not made progress under Ange Postecoglou’s leadership, but there is no doubt that this talented team has so much room for growth.

While Tottenham are still developing and have had an exciting first season under new management full of inconsistencies, a return to European competition (in some form) appears to be a formality at this late point in the year.

So what serves as an accurate measure of success at N17? Perhaps it is a return to Europe’s elite, who are currently six points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa in the Premier League with two games to go.

But knocking out title-chasing arch-rivals Arsenal in this afternoon’s North London derby would probably be a treat for fans, who would be more pleased by the demise of their arch-enemy than by the realization that the gap to Villa has been halved – that is, frankly, fair enough.

Arsenal have been sensational under Mikel Arteta this season, but any slip-up in the final weeks of the season could be fatal with Manchester City just inches behind and Tottenham will indeed relish the chance to take points from their neighbors.

Spurs team news

Destiny Udogie will not be seen again this season after undergoing surgery for an unspecified injury earlier this week. The 21-year-old left-back is also there is expected to miss Italy’s Euro 2024 season.

However, with Pedro Porro and Richarlison both set to play a role, the hosts have a near-full squad to face the Gunners, with only Ryan Sessegnon, Manor Solomon and Fraser Forster remaining long-term absentees.

Tottenham have struggled to find a streak of consistency in recent months and have turned the team around on several occasions. Despite not starting the last three Premier League games, Dejan Kulusevski will be crucial against the Gunners

Why Spurs need to unleash Dejan Kulusevski

Kulusevski has been described as a “Tottenhams”.secret hero” by Charlie Eccleshare of The Athletic and played a crucial role in Postecoglou’s first season project, scoring six goals and providing three assists in 30 Premier League games, starting 26 times.

According to Sofascore, the Swedish international complemented this direct return with some clear metrics, completing 82% of his passes, creating 12 big chances and averaging 1.9 key passes, 1.6 dribbles, 4.2 duels, 3.9 ball recoveries and 1, Scored 8 tackles per game.

Additionally, last year the 23-year-old was in the top 6% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for touches in the penalty area, top 19% for progressive runs and top 13% for tackles per 90, according to FBref.

This only serves to further emphasize the dynamism and depth that Kulusevski brings down the right channel, and given that Arsenal are moving around the ball and shooting forward with frightening agility, it would be a good thing to have him back in to bring the starting lineup.

Richarlison is likely to start from the bench, so Timo Werner and Brennan Johnson will fight for a starting spot on the left – which is likely necessary given the loss of pace the Lilywhites have suffered due to Udogie’s injury.

Kulusevski will have to start on the alternative flank, although his success in raiding the touchline could be attributed to Porro – who could be the linchpin to Tottenham’s success.

Pedro Porro could be the key against Arsenal

Porro’s first foray into English football was marred by inconsistency following his initial loan move from Sporting Lisbon in January 2023, which was made permanent for £39m last summer, but he has since established himself as one of Postecoglou’s most important players .

This season, the 24-year-old has made 31 appearances in all competitions for the Lilywhites, scoring two goals and adding seven assists. His goal against Burnley in the FA Cup in January highlighted the invaluable extra dimension he brings to the field.

The Spaniard is so robust in his performances, tough in the duel and endowed with immense attacking qualities that last year the Spaniard was among the top 17% of full-backs in Europe’s top five leagues in goals, in the top 3% in assists and among the Top 7% for shot-making actions, top 14% for passes attempted, top 11% for tackles, and top 2% for blocks per 90.

With top-notch playmaking skills and an innate aggression, Arsenal’s chances of success against N17 are more than diminished, giving Spurs’ backline both the power and style to secure a meaningful result this afternoon.

The £85,000-a-week Porro has scored one goal and seven assists in 29 top-flight games this season, according to Sofascore, while creating 10 big chances, averaging 1.6 key passes, 2.8 tackles and 5.7 ball recoveries per game scored.

In addition, he was recognized for his “Titanic“He shows the performances of Eccleshare and has the fire in his belly to rise to the challenge against a skilful Arsenal side.

It’s all well and good to talk about Kulusevski’s qualities and how these could be used to achieve technical success on the right, but without the stable, multi-faceted base that Porro would provide, there is no hope that the home team finds the momentum and cohesion is necessary.

While Porro has been recovering from a hamstring strain since the defeat to Newcastle two weeks ago, his return could be the key to sending the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium into ecstasy against Arsenal.