Indicative of West Ham’s struggles, this season is proving a challenge for Mohammed Kudus.
Compared with last season when he took the Premier League by storm, either opponents have worked out how to play against the Ghanaian or he has succumbed to a dip in form thanks to some poor coaching domestically and over expectation placed on his young shoulders by his national side.
Just 3 goals and 1 assist in 22 Premier League outings is a stark return compared with his 14 goals and 6 assists he recorded during his debut campaign across 42 games in both the Premier League and Europa League. The pressure from Ghana is intense every time pulls on the national shirt and indeed, shows no sign of abating.
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Kudus getting back to his best
In an article reported in footboom1.com, Kudus is exalted to ‘reclaim his position among the world elite‘ by one Dr. Ernest Koranteng, apparently a consultant in Ghana in sports business, media, and marketing. Whilst the article warns of ‘*the high expectations following his impressive displays in previous seasons.*‘ it then goes on – without the merest hint of irony – to pile even further pressure on the young man’s shoulders by comparing him to the worlds best:
“Every top player experiences ups and downs in their career, and I believe the challenges Kudus has faced recently are temporary. I urge him to claim his rightful place among the world’s footballing elite alongside Mbappe, Vinicius, and Salah”. Give the guy a break. He has enough expectation without being compared to the ‘world elite’ just yet.
The hitherto lacklustre Kudus produced a standout display against Arsenal and appears to be getting back to the form of his first season. Newcastle on Monday night, under the lights, at London Stadium can see Kudus’ building on his Arsenal performance and surely Graham Potter will resist the daft calls to ‘bench’ his forward.
Without the hype, the pressure and the expectation, Kudus coached by Potter will find his way back to form which deserted him under Lopetegui. Class is permanent.