Tottenham Hotspur have landed a new playmaker in Xavi Simons, but Dejan Kulusevski should not be forgotten.
The final days of the transfer window proved to be successful for Tottenham Hotspur.
Xavi Simons joined Tottenham on Friday, completing an exciting permanent move from RB Leipzig.
Deadline day then saw Randal Kolo Muani join Spurs on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, handing Thomas Frank a versatile attacking threat.
Tottenham fans are certainly excited by Simons, with the Dutchman considered to be one of the top young playmakers in Europe.
Injuries to James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski meant Spurs needed to find another creative force, and Simons will look to take on that responsibility.
Sweden players blown away by Dejan Kulusevski
Maddison’s injury was a serious blow in pre-season, especially with confusion over Kulusevski’s issues.
Kulusevski underwent surgery in May, with Ange Postecoglou claiming that he would be out for ‘a few months’.
Four months on, Kulusevski has not returned to action for Tottenham, and there has been no clear timescale for his return.
Kulusevski will hope to return to action soon, but has taken an interesting step during this international break.
Despite not being available to play for Sweden, Kulusevski has joined up with Jon Dahl Tomasson’s squad for games against Slovenia and Kosovo.
Kulusevski will not be able to play or train, but he will be around the squad to offer support during World Cup qualifying action.
This decision has stunned Kulusevski’s Sweden teammates, with players praising the Spurs star while speaking to SVT.
“All of us players appreciate it enormously,” said Burnley defender Hjalmar Ekdal.
“He is injured and could have just as easily sat at home and been upset about missing out. But the fact that he calls Jon and wants to be here and support the team, I think that is really, really, good and it shows what a leader he is,” added Celtic star Benjamin Nygren.
Pafos ace Ken Sema even added that it’s ‘crazy’ to see Kulusevski around the squad, praising him for showing up even while injured.
Do not forget about Dejan Kulusevski
Simons could be a superstar for Spurs, and he certainly has the potential to become Tottenham’s number 10 for years to come.
Kulusevski should not be ruled out of contention, though, and he can still make a huge impact when he returns from injury.
It’s easy to forget that Kulusevski sliced through Manchester United almost single-handedly last year, racking up nine created chances in a 3-0 win.
Kulusevski may not be the quickest player in the final third, but he has guile and a real ability to fashion opportunities for his teammates.
Kulusevski’s future may be as a number 10 rather than as a winger, but he could offer serious competition for Simons – if he comes back from injury with no lasting problems.