Tottenham winger Dejan Kulusevski has become a crucial part of Antonio Conte's side since moving in the January transfer window, and it now appears a strict diet from his manager could be playing a part. It is a similar trick to the one the Italian pulled off with Romelu Lukaku while at Inter Milan.
Kulusevski has scored three goals and provided six assists since touching down in north London during the January transfer window, forming a deadly frontline alongside Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son. It most recently culminated in a brilliant 4-0 win against Aston Villa as Spurs hunt down a place in the top four.
The secret to the 21-year-old's form can be traced back to his time at Juventus, according to a report from MailOnline. While an Atalanta youngster, there were concerns over Kulusevski's preference for sweets and sugary drinks. So after Conte brought him to Turin, he was put on a strict diet with those treats banned alongside alcohol and it is one that Kulusevski has carried with him to Tottenham, impressing his boss.
“He [Kulusevski] started to play with Atalanta, then he went to Parma and he played a fantastic way”, said Conte at the start of April. “When I was coach of Inter I tried to ask to sign him but Juventus, perhaps they put more money, and they got him. He’s only 21, 22 and he’s strong and good physically. For Tottenham, I think he’s a great signing for the present and the future.”
After Lukaku was signed by Conte's Inter Milan, the Belgian was deemed to be overweight. As such, the Italian banned fried foods and alcohol from the striker's diet in a bid to get him fit and firing. A diet of white meat and vegetables did the trick and Lukaku fired Inter to their first league title in 10 years. The hope will be that Kulusevski can have a similar effect on Spurs.
