For me he hasn't been performing and needs to do more. He went from looking great in his initial loan spell to looking like a pedestrian and predictable winger. Admittedly he works hard but his stats fall short of where he should be. He's had more appearances than any outfield player other than Porro and I'm willing to bet has had many more minutes on the pitch than anyone who isn't in the defence, yet only has 2 assists. That's the same amount as GLC, who I had to remind myself actually played this season.
At almost 24 he's going to lose that excuse of being young enough to be able to improve and he already underperformed last season. I guess he's been better this season if you compare the 2, although still leaving a lot more to be desired. BJ isn't the most convincing either but is younger, has only had half a season and has that pace that can always cause a threat, hence more able to directly contribute to goals.
Where do we stand on him?
Kulusevski
posted on 12/2/24
comment by fridgeboy (U1053)
posted 3 hours, 17 minutes ago
comment by Striketeam7 - There used to be a football club over there (U18109)
posted 12 hours, 3 minutes ago
Worth remembering he is still only 23 with his best years far ahead of him and he is not a player that’s going to lose pace and become poor overnight.
Kulu has been one of the few players that’s more or less been available for every game this season, only missing 1 a couple of weeks back. He might need a rest.
He is a very good player though and Ange clearly rates him
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I think there's a misconception about age being a factor in someone's growth, particularly at 23. If you're a defender then your positional sense and experience can make you a top player but forward players rely on instinct far more. Even Wenger said that at 23 a player's chance at growth is pretty much over. Whoever you are at 23 is likely to be who you'll end up being for the rest of your career. Saying that, his form at 21 was astounding in terms of goals and assists so his growth will be more about rediscovering that form as opposed to smashing any kind of ceiling he has. I can't for the life of me work out why his goals have dried up. He had a phenomenal record when he first joined us but he's stopped taking shots for some reason. Maybe other teams have worked out that his left foot is like a wand.
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Toney wasn’t much cop at 23
posted on 12/2/24
What Wenger said is BS. So many players got better beyond the age of 23. Bale, Modric, Dembele, Son, Toby, Walker, Rose, to name a few got better past the age of 23. That's just at Spurs. KBD, Salah, Mane, the list goes on and on.
Henry was 22 when he moved to Woolwich. He was a flop at Juve. Wenger was talking out of his bottom as usual.
posted on 12/2/24
Thiago Silva probably still Chelseas best CB at 53 years old
posted on 12/2/24
he was awesome in the second half, think it was a mistake to take him off so early but it payed off in the end
I think his all around game and creativity is all very good, unlucky to not have more assists. the one thing he has to work on is being more of a goal threat, his finishing is actually pretty good so he's gotten a decent goal return this season but he is so hesitant to pull the trigger
shots per 90
richarlison - 3.7
Werner - 2.9
Maddison - 2.8
Son - 2.7
Brennan - 2.4
Sarr - 2.0
Deki - 1.8
posted on 12/2/24
Kulu is almost 24 anyway. I agree some players can still improve after age 23 but I do think by about 24 or thereabouts it's rare that you won't have already found your level by that point. If you're going to end up a really good player the signs would be there by then. Kulu to be fair to him did show this when we first had him. It's about being able to get back to it and so far these last 2 seasons he hasn't.
Next season if he hasn't got there then chances are he never will and if we want to start making meaningful strides to winning big trophies, that level of performance shouldn't be good enough to hold down regular starts.
posted on 12/2/24
comment by Spurtle (U1608)
posted 37 minutes ago
Kulu is almost 24 anyway. I agree some players can still improve after age 23 but I do think by about 24 or thereabouts it's rare that you won't have already found your level by that point. If you're going to end up a really good player the signs would be there by then. Kulu to be fair to him did show this when we first had him. It's about being able to get back to it and so far these last 2 seasons he hasn't.
Next season if he hasn't got there then chances are he never will and if we want to start making meaningful strides to winning big trophies, that level of performance shouldn't be good enough to hold down regular starts.
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He’s 23 till he’s 24 though
posted on 12/2/24
comment by Hengy (U9129)
posted 5 minutes ago
comment by Spurtle (U1608)
posted 37 minutes ago
Kulu is almost 24 anyway. I agree some players can still improve after age 23 but I do think by about 24 or thereabouts it's rare that you won't have already found your level by that point. If you're going to end up a really good player the signs would be there by then. Kulu to be fair to him did show this when we first had him. It's about being able to get back to it and so far these last 2 seasons he hasn't.
Next season if he hasn't got there then chances are he never will and if we want to start making meaningful strides to winning big trophies, that level of performance shouldn't be good enough to hold down regular starts.
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He’s 23 till he’s 24 though
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😂 Standard
posted on 12/2/24
People writing off Kulu because of his age. Not having it
Agree stats wise he is not pulling his weight but he is good and getting better with the other aspects of his game such as holding it up and linking the play.
His work rate cannot be faulted either.
He needs competition and maybe a better BJ (pun intended) is good for him. His stats are better right now but his all round play needs improving. At 22 he should improve over time.
posted on 12/2/24
comment by Spurtle (U1608)
posted 51 minutes ago
Kulu is almost 24 anyway. I agree some players can still improve after age 23 but I do think by about 24 or thereabouts it's rare that you won't have already found your level by that point. If you're going to end up a really good player the signs would be there by then. Kulu to be fair to him did show this when we first had him. It's about being able to get back to it and so far these last 2 seasons he hasn't.
Next season if he hasn't got there then chances are he never will and if we want to start making meaningful strides to winning big trophies, that level of performance shouldn't be good enough to hold down regular starts.
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Check the list of players I wrote earlier. At 24 I think most players are still developing into their prime years of 26, 27, 28 on wards.
24 is a myth.
posted on 12/2/24
Deki and Brennan are good options on the right, very different threats depending on what we need