Ange Postecoglou has accused Dejan Kulusevski of ‘losing composure’ in Sunday’s defeat to Crystal Palace, but promises the best is yet to come from the Tottenham star.
Kulusevski has been a shining light for Spurs this season, creating a team-high 24 chances in the Premier League, while registering two goals and an assist.
However, the Sweden international didn’t have his best game at Selhurst Park at the weekend.
Kulusevski missed a big chance to level the scores just before half-time, while across his 62 minutes on the pitch, he completed just 73% of his passes, created only one chance and lost seven of his nine combined ground and aerial duels.
The best is yet to come from Dejan Kulusevski
Spurs have a big week ahead with Manchester City and Aston Villa at home in the EFL Cup and Premier League, respectively, while they travel to Galatasaray in the Europa League a week on Thursday.
With that in mind, they need Kulusevski back in top form.
Postecoglou has admitted the 24-year-old ‘lost composure’ against Crystal Palace, but is pleased with the progress being made by the player and believes the best is yet to come.
“I think Deki is growing but I think that’s kind of where we are as a group,” said the Tottenham boss (via TBR). “A lot of them are growing and growing through experiences.
“I think for Deki at the weekend was another growth period because he got hurt pretty early and wasn’t happy with it. In many respects, he lost a bit of his composure after that and that’s another growth for him.
“To understand it is part of it and focus your energy on helping the team on the day rather than being personally aggrieved, but that’s where we are as a group and that’s where we get our growth.
“By going through experiences like we did at the weekend with a lot of the players and them going through that and understanding how to deal with it better next time.
“Deki has been fantastic for us this year in both his output and his attitude and mentality. I think there is more to come.”