With David Moyes’ departure confirmed and Julen Lopetegui arriving to be his replacement at West Ham, a tactical shift seems likely. This could be great news for young midfielder Mohammed Kudus, according to a report in the Evening Standard.
The report suggests Lopetegui is expected to implement a 4-3-3 formation at West Ham. This tactical approach could be a better fit for Kudus and potentially unlock the full potential of the Hammers’ midfield.
Kudus has enjoyed a remarkable debut season in the Premier League. He has seamlessly adapted to English football, establishing himself as a key player for West Ham.
Kudus’ offensive contributions are undeniable. With 13 goals in 43 appearances across all competitions, he is second only to Jarrod Bowen (20 goals) in terms of goals scored for West Ham this season.
While his initial Premier League appearances were as a substitute, he has since become a regular starter, solidifying his place in Moyes’ core squad. His consistency is further highlighted by the fact that he is one of nine West Ham players to have logged over 3,000 minutes this season.
Despite his impressive debut campaign, there’s no denying Kudus’ immense potential. At just 23 years old, he has ample room for further development. A system that emphasises controlling the game, as anticipated under Lopetegui, could be a perfect fit for Kudus as he strives to further establish himself in the Premier League.
Overall, the potential arrival of Lopetegui and his preferred 4-3-3 formation could be a major boost for Kudus, allowing him to showcase his talent and take his game to the next level.
I believe a 4-3-3 is preferential at Ajax, so he should be well suited to that formation and could well show his true potential given more flexibility to roam.