Will Ange Persist with the Midfield of Kulusevski, Maddison, and Bentancur?
Tottenham Hotspur has enjoyed an interesting season so far under the management of Ange Postecoglou, who has tweaked his tactics with some interesting choices. One of these areas is midfield, which he has resolved using the trio of Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, and Rodrigo Bentancur. But as the season progresses, the question arises: will Ange continue deploying this midfield more often?
Maddison as the Creative Focal Point
James Maddison has comfortably transitioned into the role of Spurs’ premier playmaker. His vision, ball control, and the range of his passes have received a perfect match with Postecoglou’s attacking formations. Maddison has been deployed mainly as a box-to-box midfielder this season who plays a sweeper and playmaking role and is instrumental in making passes between the lines.
The capability of drifting wide or remaining central is an advantage here, something that is fundamental in the free-flowing Tottenham shape. Maddison has been central to whatever Spurs do in the games; last year, after the injury, he fizzled out a bit; this year, he is looking a lot more influential.
Bentancur: The Engine in Midfield
Rodrigo Bentancur is playing a crucial role in holding down the fort. He brings the defensive awareness, energy, and ball-winning prowess required in partnering with Maddison.
Bentancur effectively disrupts the opponents’ build-up play and brings solid presence in the ball circulation, enabling Spurs to launch counter-attacks. However, Bentancur has faced fitness issues, and whether Ange can continue to rely on him would depend on his physique.
When fit, however, Bentancur is as close as possible to being a sure starter in the line-up, given how imperative he is to the balance of the midfield.
Kulusevski: A Surprising Midfield Role?
Dejan Kulusevski, traditionally a winger, has been experimented with in a more central role under Postecoglou. His physical presence and ability to drive forward with the ball make him an intriguing option in midfield.
While not a natural midfielder, Kulusevski offers versatility and creativity, attributes that Ange values. Whether he remains in midfield or shifts back to the wings may depend on tactical adjustments or opposition-specific needs.
Conclusion
While the midfield trio of Kulusevski, Maddison, and Bentancur has shown promise, much will depend on Bentancur’s fitness and Kulusevski’s ability to adapt to the central role. Postecoglou’s system is built on flexibility, and while this trio has been influential, Spurs’ depth and varying tactical needs may lead to rotation. Still, Maddison’s role as the creative heartbeat is non-negotiable, making him the constant in a potentially rotating midfield.