Dejan Kulusevski has only been part of Antonio Conte's Tottenham squad for seven months and what an impact he has already had. The Swedish international featured 18 times in the Premier League last season, after his arrival in January and made 13 goal contributions.
Kulusevski settled in immediately to the front three, playing alongside Harry Kane and Son Heung-min. The trio seem to work well together, both creating chances and scoring them.
This summer there were always going to be changes to Conte's attacking options and this has already been seen with the return of Bryan Gil, exit of Steven Bergwijn and arrival of Richarlison. Bergwijn had admitted he wanted to leave this summer, at the start of June and has now returned to Ajax.
READ MORE: Why Kane had to hold Kulusevski back, Spence impact - 5 things spotted in Rangers vs Tottenham
There is still a decision to be made regarding Gil's future though. In the pre-season games so far, the Spaniard has shown great potential and energy, but another loan move may be most beneficial for the youngster.
However, there could be a big battle between Kulusevski and Richarlison, as the 2022/23 season approaches. Tottenham's transfer window has already seen great success, with six players joining the squad before the new campaign begins, which is a pleasant change than the business that is usually seen in N17.
The Brazilian has got game time in all three pre-season friendlies so far, starting in two of them. The 25-year-old has already shown glimpses of his potential, getting into good positions and looking composed on the ball.
Conte spoke on the new arrivals' impact on the Tottenham squad after the 2-1 victory over Rangers. "Richy for sure is a player that we signed to improve the quality of the squad. Also the possibility to make rotations with players that don't drop the level. If you want to be competitive and become a strong team, the squad has to be with at least 16, 17, 18 players that has to keep the same level, not the level up and then the other level medium, otherwise you are not competitive," he said, in his post match press conference.
"Then one game we're going to play one player and another game another player, but they need to be able to play 90 minutes, 70 minutes, 30 minutes, the most important thing is that when they go on the pitch they are effective. The impact has to be terrific for the opponent, not for us. I think that we worked in this aspect with the club but you know that we have just started this process, to bring and to improve step by step the squad."
Increasing the size of the Spurs squad is vital for Conte next season, to allow for rotation with the busy fixture schedule and five substitution rule. The competition will also mean the regular starters from last season will have to work extra hard, to ensure they continue to get regular game time in the next campaign.
Richarlison can play across the front three, giving him more chances for match minutes, but Kulusevski will be one player who needs to continue working hard to keep his place. Last season, the Swede struggled in Tottenham's 1-0 defeat to Brighton and 0-0 draw against Brentford, like many of his teammates.
This saw Kulusevski dropped to the bench and replaced with Lucas Moura, when Leicester travelled to N17, only making an appearance in the second half. However that was all the 22-year-old needed to make an impact, picking up a goal and an assist.
From then until the end of the season, the Swedish international had a great run, producing consistent solid performances. The attacker has shown his great quality during his short time in N17, but there is still room for improvement.
The Swede's decision-making is sometimes not the most effective. In Saturday's game, there was a moment where Kulusevski took too much time with the ball in the attacking box and was dispossessed. Sometimes the youngster passes when he should have a go at goal himself and vice-versa. The impact Kulusevski makes despite this, does show how much potential he does have.
The quality he has shown in just seven months working with Conte also indicates that with more time spent developing and improving, Kulusevski could become a real star at Tottenham. Not only learning from the Italian, but also from the likes of Kane and Son and pushing himself to do better, with competition from someone like Richarlison.
The Swedish international may still have room for improvement, but his Spurs journey has only just begun and the future already looks bright.
READ NEXT:
Every word Antonio Conte said on Harry Kane Bayern talk, marking Gazza and improving Spurs squad
Eric Dier praises Daniel Levy and Fabio Paratici for major Tottenham transfer change
Antonio Conte has dropped big hint over the other two Tottenham stars who were absent vs Rangers
