Tottenham Hotspur’s season may have been marred by injuries and disruptions, but amid the setbacks, one player has been consistently rising above the rest Dejan Kulusevski. While Spurs’ campaign has had its challenges, the Swedish winger has proven time and time again that he is a key asset, and now, stats show he’s outdoing some of the league's biggest names in a major way.
Despite Tottenham’s struggles, Kulusevski’s impressive work rate and determination on the field have been undeniable. In fact, he now leads the way in a Premier League metric that puts him ahead of stars like Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva and Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali. Here's how Kulusevski has become the Premier League’s “Marathon Man” this season.
Kulusevski Leads the Way in Ground Covered per Game
As the Premier League paused for the international break in March, Opta Analyst revealed some eye-opening stats. While Micky van de Ven of Spurs set the speed record, it’s Kulusevski who stands out in terms of the total distance covered on the pitch. With a staggering 12.3km per match, Kulusevski has topped the charts for ground covered by any regular starter (minimum 1,500 minutes played) this season.
To put it in perspective, Kulusevski outpaces some of the league's most renowned midfielders and hard workers:
- West Ham’s Tomas Soucek: 12.2km
- Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali: 12.2km
- Man City’s Bernardo Silva: 11.9km
- Southampton’s Flynn Downes: 11.6km
It’s clear that Kulusevski’s stamina and relentless work ethic make him a standout in a league full of elite talent. His ability to cover so much ground while maintaining quality throughout the game shows his commitment and physical conditioning.
More Than Just Distance: Kulusevski’s Versatile Skill Set
But Kulusevski’s contributions aren’t limited to his fitness. The 24-year-old has also been excelling in a variety of other crucial metrics. Over the last year, Kulusevski has ranked highly for:
- Shot-creating actions
- Progressive passes
- Progressive carries
- Touches in the opposition box
- Defensive actions
These stats underline Kulusevski’s all-around game. He’s not only contributing in attack but also playing a pivotal role in Tottenham’s defensive efforts and progression through the field.
A Rising Star Who’s Just Getting Started
At just 24, Kulusevski is still far from reaching his peak. His journey from being surplus to requirements at Juventus to becoming a vital player for Spurs is a testament to his growth and resilience. Spurs have truly benefitted from Juventus’ loss, and with his current trajectory, it’s clear that Kulusevski has the potential to become one of the Premier League's top talents for years to come.
With his remarkable stamina, all-around contributions, and continued development, Dejan Kulusevski is proving that he’s a force to be reckoned with. He may not be getting as much limelight as some of his more high-profile counterparts, but his performances speak for themselves, putting him above the likes of Silva and Tonali in the Premier League race.
Tottenham Hotspur has found a gem in Kulusevski, and with a bright future ahead, Spurs fans can be excited about what’s to come from this standout star!