West Ham could ‘play dangerous game’ with £118m duo at the London Stadium
At the London Stadium, West Ham United manager David Moyes must choose how to include a £38 million star in his squad.
Journalist Dean Jones shares his observations upon arriving at the London Stadium with regard to West Ham United manager David Moyes’ introduction of new acquisition Mohammed Kudus to his starting XI.
The Irons have had a successful start to the season both home and abroad.
By hiring Ajax forward Kudus for a total of £38 million, including summer add-ons, West Ham may have pulled off a major coup. Roberto De Zerbi, manager of Brighton & Hove Albion, took notice of the 23-year-old who was much sought after around Europe. West Ham were able to move as the summer transfer window was about to close because the Seagulls were unable to secure his signature.
The dynamic forward has already made an impact at the London Stadium, scoring his first goal in a thrilling 2-1 comeback win over Backa Topola in the Europa League group stage. He scored the game-winning goal in the Premier League last weekend, tying the game 2-2 with Newcastle United for the east London team and earning them a point. Tomas Soucek, a midfielder, expressed his happiness with Kudus’ first Premier League goal in an interview with West Ham TV (via Ghana Soccernet):
“It’s perfect for Mo that he scored his first Premier League goal. He’s still new, so we have to get connected with him as well, but for his confidence, it was important that he scored because he is a winger and also a striker, so he needs to get on the scoresheet. He did that today, so that was great for us.”
The 26-cap Ghanaian international intends to rectify that after the current international break. He has yet to start for West Ham in the top level. In his brief time in the city, Kudus has played as an attacking midfielder and on the right wing. However, given the current form of the team, Kudus will find it difficult to beat out players like Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta (whose proposed £80 million transfer to Manchester City fell through this summer).
Jones reiterated that it makes sense for Kudus to switch up his position in the front line as the Irons may decide to focus on bringing in a center-forward during the winter transfer window. However, given West Ham’s position in seventh place in the Premier League, the promising player may have to wait for an opening and seize opportunities in the Europa League and Carabao Cup as they present themselves.
| Mohammed Kudus – 23/24 | Stats |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 19 |
| Minutes | 512 |
| Goals | 8 |
| Assists | 1 |
| WhoScored stats | |
Dean Jones update – Mohammed Kudus
Jones is concerned that despite Kudus’ recent late heroics, Moyes must exercise patience while integrating him into his starting XI. Paqueta has been used by the writer as an example of a player who shouldn’t be benched.
“I think Moyes will be careful about introducing him properly to the West Ham team. He will be great, but if, for example, you were to do it at the expense of Paqueta, I think you’re playing a dangerous game. You don’t want to leave out one of the players who has proved to be one of the stars of your team just because he’s had a couple of quiet matches. I don’t think there’s anything to worry about with Paqueta’s form. He’s one of the most talented individuals there. But it’s all about finding this balance now for Moyes because he’s got a lot of players that are expecting gametime.”
West Ham transfer news
Kerem Akturkoglu, a standout for Galatasaray, is a player West Ham are keen to acquire during the winter transfer window, claims Turkish publication Habersarikirmizi.com. The Turkey international, a right-footed left winger, might serve as a like-for-like replacement for Irons wideman Said Benrahma, who has struggled with consistency this season.
Galatasaray will reportedly ask for approximately £17 million for the speedster, according to Daily Sabah, as West Ham looks to improve their offensive options. Kudus aims to have gained entry into Moyes’ starting XI by the time the winter transfer window closes since he may then face even stiffer competition.
What next for West Ham and Kudus?
When Ghana plays Mexico and the United States in friendlies over the holiday, Kudus, who is away on international duty, wants to help his team get good results.
In contrast to most of their Premier League rivals, West Ham is given an extra day of rest. On Sunday, October 22, they will go to Aston Villa, where they hope to improve their already stellar record. Prior to Everton’s return to the London Stadium on October 29, the Irons will travel to Greece to play Olympiacos in an attempt to maintain their perfect record in the Europa League group stage.
