Getting a tune out of ‘Starboy’ is a challenge which has so far eluded Graham Potter as it did his predecessor Julen Lopetegui: Mohammed Kudus remains the Claret and Blue”riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma“.
Graham Potter started the Bournemouth game with several players out of position – only after half time did he restore order by moving Bowen back to the right and Paquetá back to a central role and Kudus as an orthodox left winger behind Fullkrug: Surely the way forward (if you’ll excuse the pun.)
Kudus has come to terms with the reality that he’ll not get into West Ham’s side in his favoured right wing position ahead of Jarrod Bowen: When Summerville is fit again, arguably the Dutchman is the better left winger. Paquetá at #10 is the more creative so Kudus remains Potter’s ‘fitting a square peg into a round hole’ conundrum.
Magnificent Mohammed Kudus’ at his best is unbeatable
At his best in his first season as a Hammer, the Ghanaian was unstoppable.
The solo goals he contributed under David Moyes were unforgettable – his Europa League goal against SC Freiburg was nominated for FIFA’s Puskás goal of the season award. However, by contrast much of this season has been a disappointment, without the goals or assists expected of him and punctuated instead by reported dressing room bust-ups, red cards, a suspension and visible on the pitch frustration as he seemingly tried to take on whole defences single handedly, with predictable results.
Yesterday’s assist was a welcome light in the gloom for Kudus and for West Ham. Graham Potter faces a conundrum with his Ghanaian international this summer as frequent reports link Kudus with a sale to fund the summer rebuild at West Ham. (“Hammers Should Sell Kudus -Potter in need of money to rebuild his squad”- givemesport.com).
Can Potter get Kudus to ‘purr’ in that left wing position? It would seem his only option but with Summerville and Guilherme waiting in the wings there is hot competition for that spot. Yesterday was a step in the right direction, now much depends on whether Kudus himself wants to become the player Potter needs.
Potter is not the right man for the job never was never will be BUT I suppose 1 more season will tell
Providing Potter is going to play Guilherme move him to right/mid attack.
Kudus can then play at left wing whilst Summerville is injured which could be rest of season.
Obviously this would be a temporary measure due to substantial changes in summer period.
Neither Kudus or Guilherme will keep Summerville off left wing when fit.