Analysis | Deki on his central role, Clive Allen on his ‘best performance’ so far

Dejan Kulusevski pointed to a growing maturity as key to flourishing in his new, central role this season.

The Sweden international captain has stepped off the right to play alongside James Maddison in the forward midfield areas and produced eye-catching displays in recent weeks, not least on the biggest stage, Old Trafford, in our dominant performance and 3-0 win against United on Sunday.

6 - Six of Dejan Kulusevski's nine chances created came while Manchester United still had 11 men on the pitch (up to 42nd min). Before today, only one visiting player had ever created more than six in a full game at Old Trafford on record (7 - Florent Malouda in 2011). Magic. pic.twitter.com/AYdvH7nCIg

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 29, 2024

Deki was involved in everything - his nine chances created a record for a visiting player at Old Trafford - and rewarded with a superbly-taken goal to make 2-0 at the start of the second half - followed by a ‘L’ celebration dedicated to his daughter, Leonie.

Brennan Johnson (four goals in four games) and Dominic Solanke (three in three) continued their fine form in front of goal on an afternoon to remember at the Theatre of Dreams.

Speaking to our Review Show afterwards, Deki gave his thoughts on his new role. “It’s my position,” he said. “Before, maybe I didn't play so much in this position because I didn't defend enough, but now I'm a man. I'm taking more responsibility.

“Like I said, outside the pitch, I'm taking more responsibility and that helps me on the pitch. I know I have to play for the team. I have to defend much more. So, now the coach can put me in the middle and it's offensive, but it's working and playing with Rodrigo and Maddison... they're really good players, it’s easy.

“I always want to go forward. I train to never be tired so, I can do it all game and it's hard for midfielders if they have to track me back for 90 minutes. You know, I really want to question them and ask them, ‘how hard are you working?”

Legendary former striker Clive, whose Club record of 49 goals in a single season in 1986/87 still stands, and part of our coaching set up for eight years, was full in his praise for Deki’s display in his role as studio guest and pundit for The Review Show.

He said: “He’s understanding the role he’s playing, he’s enjoying it, and, for me, that was his best performance for the club.

“It was a big game, one he excelled in all aspects of his game, physically he was strong, powerful, fabulous technique and a wonderful goal, so, all round, that was an excellent performance.

“The awareness he has in the final third, of the players around him, the way he can link up with his team-mates and in that more central role, it’s been really effective. There were so many occasions where he ran away from opponents with pace, strength and his desire to want to get to the ball and retain possession. As I said, a really top-class performance.”