‘Masterstroke’: Micah Richards says Ange Postecoglou did something vs Man Utd that few managers would have done
Tottenham secured their biggest win of the Premier League season yet with a 3-0 win away from home against top-four rivals Manchester United.
Although the majority of the attention surrounding the result has been around how poor Erik Ten Hag’s side were, there’s no denying that Spurs were outstanding on the day, with Ange Postecoglou getting his tactics bang on at Old Trafford.
With Micky van de Ven and James Maddison impressed by Dominic Solanke’s performance, it was a good day at the office for Spurs and a needed confidence boost for the north London side after a mixed start to the season.
And Micah Richards was blown away by one decision made by Postecoglou against United.
Dejan Kulusevski midfield decision lauded by Richards
Speaking on the Rest is Football, the former Manchester City defender praised Postecoglou for playing Dejan Kulusevski in central midfield against United, with the decision paying off as the Tottenham star scored his first goal of the season.
The former Juventus star has been used in midfield this campaign in a move that has allowed Brennan Johnson to make the right-wing position his own to incredible effect, and Postecogolou was right to give Kulusevski another start in midfield against a team like United.
Richards said: “I just think it is a masterstroke because a lot of managers there would have gone with a defensive man, maybe gone with a Sarr in that position with Bentancur and sort of have Maddison in front.
“But the fact he has gone with Kulusevski, who we know, he can dribble very well, he can see a pass, he can shoot, he can score, all the good things. And I think those are the little bits that I think Ange need a lot of credit for.”
Kulusevski looks like a natural fit in central midfield
Kulusevski has shown in the past that he can play centrally if needed for Tottenham, yet the dramatic shift this season in playing in central midfield has been quite the surprise for many supporters.
However, given the flexibility it gives the north London side and how Kulusevski playing deeper has fully unlocked Johnson to thrive at last for Tottenham, it’s safe to say that the Swedish international looks like a natural in his new position.
Moreover, Kulusevski’s new ability to play in midfield could open up more avenues in the future for Tottenham to add more elements to their squad to become a real force in the Premier League, something Postecoglou will be intent on doing in upcoming transfer windows.
