Ange Postecoglou will reinstate James Maddison back into the starting line-up at Tottenham when he is fit again despite the “technically very gifted” Dejan Kulusevski being adept at playing the number 10 role, according to Alan Hutton.
Maddison made a flying start to his Spurs career before he sustained ankle ligament damage in the 4-1 defeat to Chelsea on November 6 – an issue that is likely to keep him out until the New Year (Sky Sports).
Spurs have since lost to Wolves, Aston Villa, and West Ham in Maddison’s absence with their only point from the past five matches coming in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Manchester City.
Despite their poor run of form, Sweden ace Kulusevski has performed well when playing in a more central role to cover Maddison, having been utilised mainly on the right wing since moving to the club.
Former Spurs defender Hutton, though, thinks normal service will be resumed once Maddison is cleared to return.
Speaking to Tottenham News, he said: “Kulusevski’s got that ability definitely to play that number 10 role, I didn’t think he had until obviously I saw it in recent games.
“But he’s technically very gifted, he can see a pass, he’s always got his head up, he’s always looking forward. Brennan Johnson’s come in as well, he gives you that real threat and pace down the line.
“Personally I think Postecoglou will know his best XI and I think Maddison’s in it. I think at this moment in time Maddison when fit comes back in, Kulusevski goes out to the right.
“But Johnson’s obviously gonna push him as well. So again he’s building a squad, it doesn’t happen overnight, he needs these players to be pushing each other and when they’re given opportunities they need to take it.”