I have been a regular apologist for West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus this season, but there comes a time when excuses have to stop. I fully understand the player is being deployed in his least favourite position but he’s starting to show it and the team are suffering as a result.
Undoubtedly, the mega-talented Kudus is better suited to a right-wing role rather than being shoehorned into the graveyard shift on the left-hand side of the Hammers’ attack. Certainly the Ghanaian’s time at Ajax also suggested he is more than capable of playing as a No. 10 and even occasionally as a centre-forward.
The player himself spoke of his delight at the appointment of Julen Lopetegui earlier this year, and after only two training sessions, he said, “I’m pleased we have a manager who knows how to coach right wing.”
After scoring against Brighton following his switch to the right-hand side in the send half, Kudus told the Ghanaian media, “It was good to score, and the goal came from where I’m most natural—on the right.”
Left wing has been a Hammers disaster in recent years
Let’s be fair, Kudus could not make it any clearer where he’d like to play, and most would agree he’s drawn the short straw. I have every sympathy for him and little doubt that a combination of no European football and being played out of position will hasten his departure from West Ham. The club has even admitted he’s up for sale.
Kudus has had a tough season
Nonetheless, there comes a point where one just has to play the hand they’re dealt and get on with it, and I don’t feel Kudus is doing that. Against Southampton, he was a shadow of his former self and seemed devoid of any real drive or determination.
Gone were the attritional shoulder barges and mazy runs that made him one of the top dribblers in Europe last season. It was as if he really couldn’t be bothered, and I did wonder if he’d given up.
Obviously, I’m aware that Lopetegui isn’t blameless in this situation, but despite it not being his favoured position, Kudus is more than capable of being the best left winger at the club.
Perhaps the Hammers gaffer knows Kudus is set to leave, and I don’t blame him for favouring captain and club legend Jarrod Bowen on the right wing. Unfortunately, if things continue as they are, Kudus’ value will continue to depreciate because he is a shadow of the player we saw last season.
Anytime I watch westham games, I wonder if the team don’t want to make the most of one of their most talented players. This is a player who is known to excel at the no 9, no 10 or right wing position. Evidenced by his spell at Ajax and even his brief time at West ham. Although he has the ability to play decently at the left wing position, his performance there is usually far off his best. But he is constantly being played there, with the expectation that he will replicate his performance in his natural positions. I really feel sorry for Kudus.
Imagine Mohammed Salah being switched to left wing and expected to perform exceptionally well… That’s what Kudus is going through right now. And please let’s take note, he isn’t even doing bad. It’s just that he isn’t meeting his usual standard.
The WH coach is probably a racist. Doesn’t like Kudus because he comes from Africa, a black. How many black players has the coach managed successfully, in his career ? Me believes he’s been out to frustrate Kudus.
Pick up the phone and give JLo a call.
He obviously doesn’t listen to his conscience, perhaps he’ll react to a direct call from somebody who knows?
Watch him fly and prosper under a top class manager top 6 side Sorry but true coyi
When he has played on the right he hasn’t produced this season, he rarely tracks back & doesn’t press. If he had Bowen’s work ethic he might be worth 100 million but I can’t see anyone paying anything like that for him.
Kudus is far better than Bowen at that right wing position. Bowen has consistently been favored but what has he produced remarkably different from Kudus.
Look.. Last season, Kudus won the most man of the match awards at West Ham. When Bowen runs aimlessly and not releasing balls critically, you don’t see it. G But is Bowen not even a pale shadow of himself under this coach?
Play him centrally against Liverpool as the no 10. Paqueta and Alvarez as deeper lying midfielders allowing Summerville left and Bowen right. Everyone in their natural positions. He wint do it though will he? My fear is that he will bring in Coufal or Cresswell in and shuffle someone like Emerson or AWB into a midfield role, put Paqueta in the no 10 spot where’s been awful and not where he performs well ( back to goal etc)
It will be like “Custers last stand” against Liverpool. We all understandably fear the worst.
Just one of many costs of making a wrong appointment and not correcting it. Upcoming fixtures: LIVERPOOL, MAN CITY, VILLA, Fulham, Palace, VILLA, CHELSEA, Brentford, ARSENAL.