It would be fair to say that Mohammed Kudus lost his way last Autumn. Criticised as his captaincy of the national side failed to inspire Ghana to qualify for AFCON, struggling at West Ham with head coach bust ups and suspensions, Hammers’ talented 24 year old was a shadow of the genius who scored ‘world class’ goals for fun the season before.
Played out of position, the Ghanaian has been in unfamiliar territory even under new manager Graham Potter. With no striker, Kudus was playing a kind of hybrid inside-right-come-striker role, visibly trying to take on every defender and do it all himself. How much of this is down to having no target man Antonio to work with and create goal assists for – we are about to find out.
The arrival of Evan Ferguson has been heralded as relief because of the goals he will bring – hopefully, but it is likely that there are further hidden benefits.
West Ham can revert to a form of normality allowing Kudus to do what he does best, without the weight upon his shoulders of having ti do it all himself.
Last night against Chelsea was a case in point: Every time Kudus received the ball, it was head-down, dribble, dribble, lost the ball.
In Ferguson he will have a target man to lay off, exchange passes with and create chances once again: No wonder Graham Potter was keen to be re-united with the young striker. His plan will no doubt be for West Ham’s link up play and goal threat to revolve around him.
In this mornings nytimes.com/theathletic, Anantaajith Raghuraman writes Ferguson at Brighton ‘showed he could play with his back to the goal and use his physicality to create space for Brighton’s wingers’. Perfect for Kudus to play off, then, instead of trying to do it all himself. High on my watchlist for the Brentford game next week, twelve days on from Ferguson’s arrival.
Not only can Hammers fans look forward to seeing Ferguson grow into the frontman role then, West Ham in a 3-4-2-1 can revert to Potter’s preferred style – tried and tested for whichever combination of Kudus, Bowen, Paquetá and Summerville is working behind him.
Time to bring Kudus back to his peak.
I do not think kudus is back to his best at all! He’s a bit better than he was but he still holds onto the ball too long, takes ridiculous pot shots at goal and doesn’t make the right pass! Release the ball and be more of a team player and then you’ll get the plaudits. ☘️⚒️
Kudus need players who can help him create spaces and chances to score goals.I think Ferguson will help him and kudus will come back to form.
I suggest, Kudus have to change his football boot to the previous one he was using last season. This one seems to be heavier for him and weights him down unknowingly.🤔
Yes let’s hope that with a target man and GP coaching we can see real pro football from Kudus rather than the schoolyard head down and beat everyone approach. It minds me of when Joe Cole first broke through as a teenager, always trying to do a trick!
Kudus needs a football brain implant. the lad needs to be shown a lot of videos on how to optimise space for himself and especially his team mates. he must be taught that the ball will come back to him if he worls a little less selfishly. by all means take the ball forward or keep it at your feet, but only when it’s the right option. the edge of your own box is not that time
Agreed Ferguson’s link up play will be very bit as important as his goals. He will create space and time for his fellow attackers
Kudus needs to realise when 3 players are on him it means 3 players are spare on the pitch , look up and pass man
Kudus is countered now and needs to adapt. Other teams immediately double and treble up on him at which point he needs to pass.
He has gained an advantage as if two or three are on him killing the immediate danger then they are not somewhere else that he can pass to.
Kudos is not a team player. He wants to play for himself and not for the team, very selfish