Tottenham star Dejan Kulusevski has become a standout performer this season, earning widespread praise for his consistently impressive displays on the pitch.
Fans and pundits alike have celebrated his growing influence, with former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara drawing a striking comparison to Lionel Messi in his prime following Kulusevski’s spectacular outing against Manchester City.
In Tottenham’s stunning 4-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium last week, Kulusevski demonstrated why he is one of the most reliable and dynamic players under Ange Postecoglou’s attacking system.
His technical ability, vision, and poise in high-pressure situations were on full display, making him integral to Spurs’ dominant performance.
O’Hara says Dejan Kulusevski played like prime Messi vs Man City
Kulusevski played a pivotal role in Tottenham’s opening goal, skilfully bypassing Joško Gvardiol on the right wing before delivering an inch-perfect cross for James Maddison to convert. This early moment of brilliance set the tone for the team’s commanding display against the reigning champions.
He also contributed significantly to the third goal, linking up smoothly with Son Heung-min before initiating a sequence that allowed Dominic Solanke to assist Pedro Porro.
These crucial involvements underscore Kulusevski’s ability to influence key moments in matches.
Speaking to Grosvenor Sport, O’Hara said (quotes via The Spurs Web):
“Tottenham were unbelievable against Manchester City last weekend. Dejan Kulusevski came in and performed to a world-class standard – it was like watching Lionel Messi in his prime at times. He always steps up against City.”
Statistically, his performance against City was exceptional. Kulusevski recorded an expected assist (xA) of 0.47, created three clear chances, and completed all four of his dribbles with remarkable efficiency. This further solidifies his reputation as one of the Premier League’s most creative players this season. (FotMob)
Although O’Hara’s comparison to Messi may seem ambitious, Kulusevski’s ability to glide past defenders, dictate play, and produce game-changing moments draws inevitable parallels.
For Spurs, his exceptional form has been instrumental in their offensive play. As Tottenham continue to push for success on multiple fronts, Kulusevski’s influence remains central to their ambitions, with even greater achievements likely on the horizon under Postecoglou’s leadership.
