West Ham United have been a tough opponent for every team playing in the Premier League. The Hammers won the UEFA Europa Conference League last season and that has boosted the confidence of the team. Some players left and a few others joined to strengthen the squad. One such player is Ghana national football team winger, Mohammed Kudus.
After making a name for himself at Ajax, Kudus decided to leave the Dutch giants in the summer of 2023. West Ham United made use of Declan Rice’s money and signed the 23-year-old forward. Kudus took some time to settle in the squad but showed plenty of promise in his early outings. The winger has the strength that allows him to take on defenders. His pace and skills are one to watch out for.
West Ham are looking to make it to European places for the next season. Here is a look at what Kudus has added to the squad and how his current form will be crucial for the Hammers.
Versatile attacker
Mohammed Kudus has shown versatility on the field for David Moyes. He can play on either flank for his side. When Antonio is in the team then Bowen is forced to play on the right and Kudus takes the spot on the left side. Whenever Bowen is leading the line then Kudus is made to play on the right side.
In the current season, Kudus averages 3.1 progressive runs per 90 minutes and completed 51% of his dribbles. However, in the last seven games, the runs average around five per 90 minutes. Most of these runs are made to penetrate the opposition penalty box. In the last few matches, Kudus has made a couple of runs that started in the middle third and the ball ended in the back of the goal.
The 23-year-old suffered 13 fouls during this time. He was brought down 3-4 times outside the box. With the likes of James Ward-Prowse in the team, these free-kicks are very handy for the team.
Goals & more
Mohammed Kudus has 15 goals to his name this season. In the last seven matches, he has scored three times and two goals came from some great runs that started in the midfield. Kudus has lacked a bit of accuracy but his threat is what has troubled the opposition’s defence.
In addition to his three goals, he has three assists. Kudus has four assists this season and three came in the last seven games. The forward created 13 shot assist chances. These chances have been created in the form of high and low crosses.
Mohammed Kudus has found his feet in England. However, he failed to score or create any goal in West Ham’s 1-1 draw with Spurs. The forward will look to create more influence in the remaining games and hope to take his side to Europe.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine
