Tottenham Hotspur star Dejan Kulusevski will be 'disappointed' at losing his place in the starting line-up in recent weeks but is set to 'thrive' at Hotspur Way, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Spurs boss Antonio Conte spent more than £150million on bolstering his squad during the summer transfer window and one of those fresh faces has overtaken Kulusevski in the pecking order.

GiveMeSport The Verdict

What's the latest news involving Kulusevski?

Having joined Tottenham on an initial 18-month loan deal in January, Kulusevski could end up setting the north Londoners back £37.5million if they opt to make his move permanent at the end of the season.

The winger has made a major impact while with Conte's side, racking up 16 goal contributions in just 27 outings.

Although he got the new campaign off to a promising start by finding the back of the net once and laying on two assists for his team-mates, Kulusevski has been forced to contend with cameo appearances from the bench in Spurs' last two fixtures against Fulham and Marseille.

That is because Richarlison, who joined in a £60million switch from Premier League rivals Everton during the summer, has taken his place.

The Brazilian grabbed a brace as Tottenham overcame Marseille in their opening Champions League group stage clash last week, while he has also tallied another two goal involvements.

What has Dean Jones said about Kulusevski?

Jones understands Kulusevski will be frustrated that he has been ousted from Conte's preferred starting line-up in recent weeks, particularly after being such a threat during the early stages of the campaign.

However, the journalist feels the 22-year-old will still go onto play a key role for Spurs this term and realise Richarlison's arrival means he has stiff competition.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "Kulusevski is relatively new to this team. Of course, he will be disappointed when he doesn't start.

"But I think he's going to have to accept the competition and the rotation that's now going to take place within those top four spots in the team.

"He's got to adapt and he's got to thrive. I think he will, to be honest."

Was it unfair for Conte to drop Kulusevski from the starting XI?

It could be argued that Son Heung-min should have been the attacking star to make way for Richarlison as he has not got his name on the scoresheet since the season got underway.

However, it is difficult for Conte to drop Son considering he, along with Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, won the Premier League's Golden Boot for the 2021/22 campaign and may rediscover his best form at any moment.

There is no doubt that Kulusevski, a 25-cap Sweden international, will be back in the starting line-up in the not-too-distant future.

That is because Tottenham are due to play 15 matches before the 2022 World Cup commences in November, so Conte will need to rotate his squad.