Tottenham’s Dejan Kulusevski has insisted he is “ready and hungry as hell” to make his mark as Sweden’s new team captain.
The forward has been speaking to Sport Bladet today after being named as Sweden’s new captain, replacing Victor Lindelof, who is out of the squad for the upcoming Nations League games.
The Manchester United defender is out of action through injury so the Tottenham man will be stepping into the breach to replace the 30-year-old and wear the captain’s armband.
That’s not come as much of a surprise back in his homeland, where many have expected the experienced 24-year-old to be next in line should Lindelof ever be replaced.
It’s something he’s more than ready for too, insisting he is taking the opportunity with both hands and is ready to impress.
“I feel ready and hungry as hell, “he said.
“I take it very seriously. I think that as team captain you have a little more responsibility. It’s not about you, that you should come here and do your thing, but take care of everyone so they feel good.
“And on the pitch, you have to take responsibility and be the bravest of all.”
The question is whether the Tottenham man will be wearing the armband in future should this test go well.
Questions have been raised about Lindelof’s role in the Sweden team for some time, with the Manchester United man often coming in for criticism and not earning himself fans when he’s responded in recent years.
Many have predicted he would replaced before too long and with Kulusevski wearing the armband this time around, perhaps it will be the catalyst for long-term change.
