Mohammed Kudus, West Ham United badge
West Ham United forward Mohammed Kudus [Credit: Imago]
Josh Edwards
Thu 26 December 2024 9:40, UK
West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui has highlighted Mohammed Kudus’ “off-the-ball efforts” as the main area to focus on in training.
Kudus has had a mixed season for West Ham so far with an exit in January a possibility amid links to several other clubs although the Irons are confident they can retain his services (GiveMeSport).
Manchester City have made the Ghanaian a priority in January (Fichajes), but with the Hammers keen on keeping him, Lopetegui has highlighted the main area of improvement for Kudus as quoted in the print edition of the Daily Mirror (26 December, pg 57).
“Any attacking player is much better if his focus is on his defensive work,” explained Lopetegui.
“It always happens, when you are focused on your defensive work, normally your attacking performance is going to be better because football is about being focused, always, and a collective game.
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“I think he was doing that but it was a pity he was out for five matches and it’s not easy to recover the rhythm in the Premier League.”
Kudus January exit could leave huge hole at West Ham
If Kudus does depart the London Stadium in January, West Ham will undoubtedly receive a pretty fee but the hole it would leave would be massive.
Despite having not registered as many goal contributions as he is perhaps cable of, his role in the team has been pivotal and the level of quality he possesses is crucial to hopes of a revival if Lopetegui is to remain in post.
However, his recent form has been pleasing and if he can reach the heights in training outlined by Lopetetegui, he will easily be one of the most important players for the Irons throughout the remainder of the campaign.
Mohammed Kudus
West Ham United man Mohammed Kudus
All of the transfer noise is a testament to the level of quality in his play and the Hammers should be doing all they can to make sure it remains at the club.
For that to happen, ambition will need to be shown in January and additional quality will need to be brought in.
In other West Ham news, Jamie Carragher has made a prediction ahead of the Irons’ clash with Southampton.
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