Dejan Kulusevski produces a sizzling display in Sweden’s 6-0 mauling of Azerbaijan
Sweden ended their international break with a thumping 6-0 win over Azerbaijan in their UEFA Nations League group on Tuesday evening.
Viktor Gyokeres—one of the most sought-after strikers around Europe—hogged the limelight with four goals against a hapless Azerbaijan side. By doing so, he overtook Erling Haaland as the top scorer in the UEFA Nations League.
While Gyokeres rightly grabbed the headlines and plaudits from all corners of the world, Dejan Kulusevski was equally sensational on the fine Swedish evening at the Friends Arena. It was the Tottenham star who got the ball rolling for the hosts in the 10th minute, before doubling his tally just three minutes before the hour mark.
Dejan Kulusevski, who once again donned the captain’s armband in the absence of Victor Lindelof, was given a free No.10 role in a 3-4-1-2 formation. The 24-year-old was excellent in the hole behind the two strikers Gyokeres and Alexander Isak, constantly picking up promising positions, stitching the play well and acting as the ideal glue between the midfield and attack.
The Stockholm-born talent displayed his constant availability for teammates with 113 touches and an 81% passing accuracy. His creativity and flair stood out as he delivered eight key passes and created two big chances. Kulusevski won nine duels, completed 4/4 dribbles and grabbed a fine assist for Gyokeres’ first goal. (Stats courtesy: SofaScore)
The Spurs ace also netted two fantastic goals, continuing his rich vein of form for club and country. Since the September international break, Kulusevski has consistently elevated his performances, proving indispensable for Spurs and Sweden. The attacker’s ability to impact games under pressure highlights his growing stature as a quality performer with high dependability under Ange Postecoglou at Spurs.
Tottenham fans would have been delighted after witnessing Kulusevski produce two solid displays against Slovakia and Azerbaijan on international duty ahead of a taxing schedule starting with the daunting away game at Manchester City at the weekend.
The Sweden international has become a consistent player for Big Ange’s side this season, showing composure, calmness and a knack for delivering the goods. He has a crucial role to play for the north London side as they are fighting in every competition right now.
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The Lilywhites are 10th in the Premier League, so Big Ange and Co. have to string a run of positive results to climb the table. A fit and firing Kulusevski will be vital to the club’s hopes of getting back into the Champions League.
