Ian Wright shares Divin Mubama verdict at West Ham United amid praise for Mohammed Kudus
Ian Wright has insisted West Ham wonder Divin Mubama should be starting games for David Moyes after his impact off the bench in the 2-1 win against Burnley.
The former Arsenal striker was full of praise for the 19-year-old who has struggled for game time so far this season, leading to a contract dispute with the club [The Athletic, 30 October].
Wright made the claim amid applause for Mohammed Kudus, who set up both of the Hammers’ goals in a standout performance in the absence of Jarrod Bowen.
Analysing the first goal for Match Of The Day [25 November], Wright proclaimed: “You can’t afford to let the ball go into somebody who’s having a game like Kudus is having, he was fantastic today.
“In the end, he does very well for Mubama who comes in on the near post, somebody who I believe should be starting now, he should be getting a start now, but Kudus does brilliantly there.”
Mubama has to start
The 19-year-old forward has been waiting all season for his chance to impress, and the injuries to Bowen and Michail Antonio finally provided him with that opportunity after Danny Ings failed to impress despite being handed the start yet again.
As Wright suggested, Mubama must surely now be the favourite to start in the absence of Antonio, with Ings simply not turning in strong enough performances to warrant the game time, while Mubama proved against Burnley he can make a difference.
The goal ultimately being ruled as an own goal to Dara O’Shea was a shame, but Mubama’s movement towards the front post forced the issue and his impact was clear to see with his desire and decisiveness changing the game in West Ham’s favour.
Kudus, meanwhile, impressed again as he continues to prove an excellent signing for Moyes’ side. With Bowen out injured, it was left to Kudus to step up, and he did that with aplomb.
In other West Ham news, Gary Lineker gave his own verdict on Mubama’s future.