Pundit issues verdict on Heung-min Son axe amid Tottenham source’s reveal pre-Arsenal
Noel Whelan has claimed Dejan Kulusevski has moved above Heung-min Son as one of the first names on the Tottenham teamsheet as he prepares to return from injury.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, backed the 22-year-old to make a huge impact in what is likely to be a tightly-contested derby game against Arsenal.
Sources told this site on Wednesday (11 January) that Kulusevski is on course to make his eagerly-anticipated Tottenham comeback against in Sunday’s (15 January) derby.
The Sweden international, who is yet to finalise a permanent move to Spurs, has made a huge impact since joining last January – notching six goals and 13 assists in 33 appearances.
Football Insider revealed in October 2022 that Kulusevski will sign permanently regardless of whether he triggers the clauses in his contract – with a move already “95% done”.
Son has scored just four league goals this season after scooping the Premier League Golden Boot in the 2021-22 campaign.
When asked if Kulusevski should be above the South Korean in the pecking order based on recent form, Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Absolutely.
“I think he’s someone who doesn’t just give you danger going forward.
“He works his socks off, and in a derby game you’re going to need players like that. You need players who can be defensive-minded, get back, and keep their shape.
“I can tell you he’s been the most consistent winger since coming to the club, above Son, above Richarlison, above Lucas Moura.
“He has been the standout in that position – assists, goals, and he’s got the mentality to handle these big games.”
In other news, pundit can’t believe Tottenham could seal David Raya signing after what he saw.