“After Salah and Saka, the Tottenham midfielder is my premier league favorite”

“After Salah and Saka, the Tottenham midfielder is my Premier League favorite”

In the vast world of football, few opinions carry as much weight as that of Zinedine Zidane. The former France international and Real Madrid legend is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time. His insights into the game, whether as a player, manager, or pundit, are often measured, thoughtful, and filled with a deep appreciation for technical skill and tactical intelligence. So, when Zidane recently made a statement about his favorite Premier League players, the football world took notice.

Speaking in a rare interview with L’Équipe, Zidane expressed admiration for several Premier League stars, naming Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka as two of his favorites. But what caught many by surprise was the Frenchman’s praise for Tottenham Hotspur’s Dejan Kulusevski, whom he called “one of the most intelligent and complete wingers in modern football.”

“After Salah and Saka, the Tottenham midfielder is my Premier League favorite,” Zidane said. “Kulusevski is a player I’ve followed for a while, and I’ve always been impressed by how he reads the game, how he positions himself, and how he always looks to create something out of nothing.”

Kulusevski, 24, joined Tottenham from Juventus in January 2022, initially on loan before making the move permanent. Since then, he has established himself as a key figure in the Spurs lineup, known for his versatility, work rate, and creative spark. Operating primarily on the right flank, the Swedish international has built a reputation as a winger with the brain of a playmaker and the engine of a box-to-box midfielder.

Zidane praised not only Kulusevski’s technical ability but also his mentality. “He’s not just about flair,” Zidane said. “What I admire most is his decision-making. He doesn’t play for himself; he plays for the team. He works hard off the ball, presses intelligently, and rarely makes the wrong choice when it matters.”

Indeed, Kulusevski’s footballing intelligence is often cited by coaches and analysts alike. His ability to drift into central areas, combine with the midfield, and still find time to track back and support his full-back speaks to a maturity beyond his years. It is this balance between creativity and discipline that seems to resonate so strongly with Zidane, a man who defined elegance and effectiveness during his own playing days.

Zidane also drew comparisons between Kulusevski and his former Real Madrid protégé, Isco. “Isco had that same mix of vision and touch, that ability to glide past players and see things others didn’t. Kulusevski reminds me of that style, though he’s more direct and physical,” he explained.

Tottenham fans have long known the value of Kulusevski to their side. His left foot has provided some of the Premier League’s most memorable assists and goals in recent seasons, and under the guidance of manager Ange Postecoglou, his role has only grown more central. Zidane’s endorsement is just further validation of a player who often flies under the radar in conversations dominated by more statistically flashy names.

As Tottenham continue their project under Postecoglou, having players like Kulusevski — who combine tactical discipline with technical elegance — will be crucial. Zidane’s comments are not just high praise; they are a reminder that true quality in football is often recognized not by how often a player trends on social media, but by how consistently they influence games in subtle, meaningful ways.

For Dejan Kulusevski, being named among the Premier League elite by one of football’s true icons is not just an accolade — it is a testament to the quiet brilliance that defines his game.