Player Watch Player Watch: Dejan Kulusevski

[PrettyColors]

Not to sound the alarm bells… but are we sure he’s good enough to be our starting RW? We’ve just paid €30m for him mind.

135 minutes in Ange’s system and for the life of me I can’t remember a single good moment.

So we’ve learned today that Kulusevski browses SC during halftime, as he’s been incredible this second half just to mug me off.

 

[delawarespur]

So we’ve learned today that Kulusevski browses SC during halftime, as he’s been incredible this second half just to mug me off.

Haha. Second half was every bit an Ange winger. 1v1 dominance, cutbacks and crosses, took shots on. He’s not one I really worry about. Son is a different story but he was also better in the second half and we have Solomon there too.

 

[Bluto Blutarsky]

Kulusevski was better today than he has been in the first couple of pre-season matches.

Lets hope that continues and we get consistent performances.

 

[bbunc]

So we’ve learned today that Kulusevski browses SC during halftime, as he’s been incredible this second half just to mug me off.

This. He saw me clamoring for his old nemesis Chiesa and sharpened up right away.

 

[muppetman]

I think he's a confidence player and today will have done him the power of good.

 

[coy-spurs1882]

much better in second half, unlucky not having a goal which was a great save by the Shakhtar GK

 

[PrettyColors]

Haha. Second half was every bit an Ange winger. 1v1 dominance, cutbacks and crosses, took shots on. He’s not one I really worry about. Son is a different story but he was also better in the second half and we have Solomon there too.

Yeah, he always had the talent and intelligence to figure it out. Think I’ve had PTSD of Kulusevski playing that weird back-to-goal target man role with absolutely zero support so many times under Conte last year. He’s not a perfect fit for Ange but this was better.

Son on the other hand is genuinely concerning.

 

[TEESSIDE1]

Kulusevski was better today than he has been in the first couple of pre-season matches.

Let’s hope that continues and we get consistent performances.

He was much better in the 2nd half but when you want him to place a shot he puts his laces through it and vice versa. Similar to when he cuts inside and looks to dink a cross in he doesn’t. During his 1st half season both his shooting, crossing and instinctive play was very decisive. If he can regain this he will be an invaluable player.

Son on the other hand looks no better than last season when he was carrying an injury.

 

[Gilzeanking]

much better in second half, unlucky not having a goal which was a great save by the Shakhtar GK

Its like he suddenly woke up after a season's sleep..

 

[fecka]

Yeah, he always had the talent and intelligence to figure it out. Think I’ve had PTSD of Kulusevski playing that weird back-to-goal target man role with absolutely zero support so many times under Conte last year. He’s not a perfect fit for Ange but this was better.

Son on the other hand is genuinely concerning.

Yeah, as I said I believe he's not far away from getting what Ange likely wants from him. I also believe he's also very much a confidence player who's in his own head a lot, so him having a performance like this is encouraging IMO.

I wouldn't be surprised if Ange gave him some pointers or encouragement at HT because he came out a completely different player.

 

[JayB]

If he rediscovers his best form it will be a massive boost

 

[InOffMeLeftShin]

Haha. Second half was every bit an Ange winger. 1v1 dominance, cutbacks and crosses, took shots on. He’s not one I really worry about. Son is a different story but he was also better in the second half and we have Solomon there too.

I think Son will be fine too. He came in later and only had 45 minutes against the sailors before this. Son has always been a fitness and form player but I think he’ll figure it out.

Difference for me with Deki in the second half was he went down the outside a couple of times and put in good balls with his right. Think it opened up the spaces for him to get inside the pitch more because of that threat.

Son needs to do the same and then when he does get inside he needs to pull the trigger more. Also note that we’ve played three teams that just defended against us and tried to soak up everything we have. Son might have a bit more joy when it opens up more against better teams.

 

[fecka]

I think Son will be fine too. He came in later and only had 45 minutes against the sailors before this. Son has always been a fitness and form player but I think he’ll figure it out.

Difference for me with Deki in the second half was he went down the outside a couple of times and put in good balls with his right. Think it opened up the spaces for him to get inside the pitch more because of that threat.

Son needs to do the same and then when he does get inside he needs to pull the trigger more. Also note that we’ve played three teams that just defended against us and tried to soak up everything we have. Son might have a bit more joy when it opens up more against better teams.

Son was better when he moved in more centrally in the 2nd half IMO. He's never really been the type to beat his man and whip crosses in and is the most dangerous in areas where he can shoot or have quick 1-2's with others. If Kane leaves I'd have him battle it out at ST with Richy and let Solomon and Gil battle it out on the left

 

[archiewasking]

Excellent today.

 

[Whazam]

Couldn't catch the game today, but so happy to hear he stepped it up today.

Although, I think he has been decent in the previous games as well, apart from the finishing and final pass (which of course are crucial).

 

[yido_number1]

Thought he was really good today. Back doing those shimmys and clever takes where he quickly beats his man

 

[DannyNZ]

I think Son will be fine too. He came in later and only had 45 minutes against the sailors before this. Son has always been a fitness and form player but I think he’ll figure it out.

Difference for me with Deki in the second half was he went down the outside a couple of times and put in good balls with his right. Think it opened up the spaces for him to get inside the pitch more because of that threat.

Son needs to do the same and then when he does get inside he needs to pull the trigger more. Also note that we’ve played three teams that just defended against us and tried to soak up everything we have. Son might have a bit more joy when it opens up more against better teams.

Totally agree beat them on the right a couple of times in that second half and looked a completely different player. First half he never attempted to beat them on the right and was labouring.

 

[fishhhandaricecake]

Kulusevski was better today than he has been in the first couple of pre-season matches.

Let’s hope that continues and we get consistent performances.

Agree mate, slowly looking more like himself. Great to see.

Still would like us to either promote Porro to back-up RW or ideally we sign a pacey top quality right winger to challenge Kulu.

 

[G Ron]

Needs to work on his final ball as I still feel his crosses / shots are often a bit wayward, but if he nails that down we’ll have the 2021/2022 version of Deki back.

 

[Tucker]

He had a poor first half, but was much improved after the break. His pass for Kane’s second or third goal was sublime.