Antonio Conte hailed the signing of Dejan Kulusevski after Tottenham’s 5-1 win over Newcastle on Sunday and revealed that he tried to sign him when he was Inter Milan boss. The Swedish winger setup Son Heung-min’s goal during the rout, notching his fifth assist in just 10 Premier League games in the process.
Fabian Schar gave the Magpies the lead in the 39th minute but Spurs went in level at the break thanks to Ben Davies’ first goal of the season. Matt Doherty, Emerson Royal and Steven Bergwijn all got themselves on the score sheet to seal emphatic victory.
Kulusevski joined Spurs on an 18 month loan deal from Juventus in the January transfer window and has been an instant success, seamlessly linking up with Son and Harry Kane to add a new dimension to Spurs’ attack. Conte hailed the impact the Swedish international has had on their season and backed him to be a good long-term signing for the club.
“When I was coach of Inter I tried to ask to sign him (Kulusevski) but Juventus, perhaps they put more money, and they got him. Conte told reporters at his post match press conference.
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“He’s only 21, 22 and he’s strong and good physically. For Tottenham I think he’s a great signing for the present and the future.”
Conte also hailed the influence that former Juve star Rodrigo Bentancur has had in midfield since he arrived in north London. The Uruguayan joined the club on the same day as Kulusevski and though Spurs let a host of players leave in January they appear to be stronger following the arrival of their deadline day acquisitions.
He added: “We’re talking about a strong player but also Rodrigo Bentancur.
“We lost four players but with these two new signings we made this squad more complete, with more balance. I think that it’s very important in football to have a clear idea and vision because in this way football is more simple.”
Kulusevski and Bentancur will be hopeful that they’re playing Champions League football with Spurs next season, and their win over Newcastle propelled them into fourth spot. However, fifth placed Arsenal will overtake them with a draw or a win at Crystal Palace on Monday night.
