BBC pundit blown away by new ‘dimension’ in West Ham United midfield
Mohammed Kudus adds “another dimension” to the West Ham United midfield, which may be crucial in their European challenge, according to Asmir Begovic.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football Daily (14 September), the former Premier League and current QPR goalkeeper waxed lyrical about the Ghanaian, claiming he joins a “really nice squad” in Stratford.
Yet to start for the Hammers, Begovic claims Kudus is “good value for money” and has been tipped to be a big influence on West Ham’s midfield this season.
Begovic said: “They have got another dimension in midfield with him and they will need it to challenge on the European stage.
“They have built a really nice squad, done good business and got value for money. I think it should be a really good season for them.”
Influence
The 23-year-old is yet to truly strut his stuff in Stratford, only having the chance for a late cameo in the Hammers’ 2-1 victory at Kenilworth Park against Luton Town.
However, the £38million Ajax coup is expected to emerge as a mainstay in East London, and should he fulfil his potential, a mainstay in the Premier League altogether.
West Ham are now a Declan Rice-less team, but the midfield evolution following his sale is perhaps the hottest talking point of West Ham this season and Kudus is at the centre of it – without playing a full match.
His fee could also prove to be incredible value for money considering his young age, wealth of European and international experience and statistical output.
He will hope he can bring his 99th-percentile non-penalty expected goals (0.51 per 90), 97th-percentile shots (3.55 per 90) and 99th-percentile successful take-ons (4.49 per 90) to Stratford and become the new ‘dimension’ in East London [FBRef].
In other West Ham news, Rio Ferdinand shares what the Hammers should have “definitely” done in the transfer window.