Tottenham’s Dejan Kulusevski has insisted he is fit and raring to go as he gears up for a big international break with Sweden.
The winger has been speaking to Aftonbladet ahead of Sweden’s clashes with Azerbaijan and Estonia in the Nations League.
This international break will be a big one for the Tottenham man as he’s set to wear the captain’s armband in the absence of Victor Lindelof.
It’s a big moment for the 24-year-old, who made his debut at just 19-years-old in November 2019 and has 39 appearances for his country to date.
That number would likely be higher if it hadn’t been for various niggling injuries down the years to far, with him suffering at least one minor injury in every season since 19/20.
His last absence for club and country, though, was through illness back in January this year and he insists he’s now feeling at the top of his game.
“I feel in really good shape, physically ready to play, to compete at the highest level and win the match,” he said when asked about his physical status.
It’s an exciting time for the Sweden national team, who are looking to shake off disappointments of the past few years by reinventing their squad with emerging young talent.
That’s seen veterans such as Robin Olsen, Lindelof and Emil Forsberg, who are all injured anyway, left behind in favour of the likes of Lucas Bergvall, Hugo Larsson and Yasin Ayari.
They’re all yet to enjoy their 21st birthdays but very much seen as the future of Swedish football and Kulusevski believes their introduction now is the start of something big moving forwards.
“We are a new team, we have a new coach, we have a new game idea, we are stronger. It’s a good start to something big,” he added.
“It is a completely new team. There are a lot of young players, hungry, who want to show, who want to win.
“It’s the first time they’re (the veterans) not there and it’s clear we miss them. There are great players and important people, but you just have to move on.
“It’s new players who get to take their places, try to do as well or even better. You don’t get that many chances. If you get the chance, you just have to take it.”
