"Hell of a player" - Neville claims one Spurs star will attract interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona after performance against Man City
Former Manchester United legend Gary Neville has claimed Tottenham Hotspur winger Dejan Kulusevski can attract attention from Real Madrid and Barcelona. He heaped praise on the Sweden international following his scintillating performance in Spurs’ 4-0 mauling of Manchester City on November 23.
Neville, speaking on Sky Sports, described Kulusevski as a "serious player" and claimed his recent displays are at a level that could tempt Europe’s elite clubs.
Here's what he said:
"Kulusevski was and looks a serious player. He has become a hell of a player. His strength and running power is getting better, but he has a subtlety in beating players. He has a variation to his game now. This is a player that the likes of Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Real Madrid will begin to look at."
Neville emphasized that Kulusevski’s current form under Ange Postecoglou puts him in a different league, highlighting his versatility and growing influence on the team.
The Swede not only shone in his usual wide role but also proved effective when deployed centrally, contributing significantly to Tottenham’s dominance over Pep Guardiola’s side.
Neville claimed that Kulusevski is the kind of player who would attract attention from teams like Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid. These clubs, Neville stated, like players who punch above their weight and spring a surprise.
"I am not being disrespectful to Spurs, but that was the level of his performance, and he has been like that for a while now. He was outstanding."
A move for Kulusevski could be a bargain for Barcelona or Real Madrid
Kulusevski’s meteoric rise comes after Spurs secured him from Juventus for a modest £25 million, a fee that now appears to be one of the shrewdest pieces of business in recent transfer windows.
His adaptability and technical skill have become central to Tottenham’s attacking play, with Postecoglou leveraging his talents in both wide and central roles.
Under Postecoglou’s guidance, Tottenham have seen a resurgence, and Kulusevski’s evolution as a player has been pivotal. Against Manchester City, he played a key role in dismantling the Premier League champions, leaving pundits and fans alike in awe.
Neville’s comments come at a time when Tottenham are witnessing a renewed sense of optimism under Postecoglou. But the club’s ability to retain their top talent will likely be tested if the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona come calling.
While Pedro Porro has been linked with a potential move to Madrid, Neville believes it is Kulusevski who might truly catch the eye of Spain’s elite.