Mohammed Kudus form whilst on international duty for Ghana has given David Moyes a selection headache. I’m quite sure the Hammers manager had his starting eleven in his mind for the Premier League game against Manchester City.
I’m also reasonable sure that Kudus would not have been starting given Tomas Soucek’s wonderful display for the Czech Republic. Moyes loves what Soucek brings to the team, and requires very little encouragement to include him.
Selection headache? Kudus scored a stunning freekick for Ghana
I was fully expecting to see a midfield comprising of Soucek, Ward Prowse and Edson Alvarez on Saturday. That selection would have seen Lucas Paqueta moved to the left of midfield, with Said Benrahma being dropped.
If we assume (quite safely I think) that Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen are guaranteed starters. Then where does that leave Kudus? The £35m signing for Ajax looks to be a genuine threat and is highly regarded within the game. He also scored in both of Ghana’s fixtures during the international break, helping his country qualify for the African Cup of Nations.
Moyes won’t be oblivious to the glowing scouting reports, and one can assume the player has impressed in training.
Moyes has a some very interesting selections to ponder ahead of the clash against Pep Guardiola’s men. I still expect Kudus’s full debut to come in the Europa League . . . but it will be very close.