Dejan Kulusevski backed to explode at Tottenham amid £60m development – pundit
Noel Whelan has claimed the signing of Richarlison has inspired Tottenham loanee Dejan Kulusevski to “work harder and play better”.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 22-year-old knows he could be dropped “for weeks and weeks” if he lets performance levels drop.
Kulusevski notched a goal and assist during the season’s curtain-raising 4-1 home win over Southampton on Saturday (6 August).
The Sweden international has now registered six goals and nine assists in 21 Spurs appearances since joining on loan in January.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed (24 May), Tottenham plan to make Kulusevski’s stay at the club permanent – and will have an obligation to do so if he makes 20 Premier League appearances (45 minutes plus) this season.
Whelan claimed the reported £60million signing of Richarlison shows real “intent” from Antonio Conte’s side.
“Competition for places is healthy at any club,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“But when you’ve got the front three that Tottenham have, plus Richarlison sitting on the sidelines – it’s going to make these players work even harder and play even better.
“Kulusevski will know that if he’s not playing to Conte’s standards, he’s not afraid to make the change. He could be out of the side for weeks and weeks.
“They’ve shown this intent in the market, and that’s what the fans wanted. They’ve matched the other big sides by going and getting this new forward.
“It’s such a strong start from Kulusevski, and it looks like he’s starting this season even better than he finished the last.”
Richarlison was suspended for the win over Southampton but can make his Tottenham debut against Chelsea on Sunday (14 August).
He scored 10 goals in 30 league appearances last term.
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