Dejan Kulusevski has revealed the changes behind his strong start to the season at Tottenham.
Kulusevski has been utilised in a deeper central midfield role by Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou in recent weeks.
The 24-year-old scored his first goal of the campaign during their 3-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
And according to Kulusevski, there are a number of reasons to thank for his good form.
“It (being a protagonist) came out in that match, but I have worked incredibly hard to be able to play at that level,” he said.
“I’m not shocked. I’ve just been waiting for it. Every match has felt good, but that one was perhaps extra good.
“I want to try to maximise this career as much as possible and never be one of the crowd.
“It has been the whole season. I really feel that I am stronger mentally and physically this season. I have changed the “mindset” a bit. I think that is to my advantage. I have grown off the pitch as well. The plan is to get better every day, and I feel that I am becoming that.
Kulusevki played the full match as Sweden drew 2-2 with Slovakia on Friday, with Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side travelling to face Estonia on Monday.
And while the former Juventus man plays as a forward for his country, he is happy playing in midfield for Spurs.
“This is my position,” Kulusevki said after the United game. “I grew a lot because now I can defend. Before, maybe, I didn't defend as much and that was why I didn't play in the midfield. But now, I'm growing as a player and I can play to my strengths.
“I'm the best in the middle, I can score goals, I can find good passes and I play with (James) Maddison, who is unbelievable with the ball. We have (Rodrigo) Bentancur who, when he plays like he did against United, is an unbelievable player. It looks offensive on paper but it’s working really well.”
