National media shares what West Ham United ace Mohammed Kudus was guilty of in Ghana draw
West Ham ace Mohammed Kudus was accused of “holding onto the ball for too long” by Ghana media after their 1-1 draw against Niger in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.
The 24-year-old assisted full-back Alidu Seidu for the opener but a late equaliser from Niger centre-back Oumar Sako, inside the final 10 minutes recovered a surprise draw.
While Kudus had a telling impact on the game, there was one aspect that Ghanian media felt needed improvement from the Hammers ace.
Reacting to his performance, MyJoyOnline [9 September], awarded him a 5/10 rating, writing: “Kudus was a constant threat, carrying the ball well through the middle.
“However, he was guilty of holding onto the ball for too long when quicker decisions were needed. His link-up play was effective, but he should have attempted more long-range shots.”
Ghanasoccernet [9 September] was more lenient with Kudus, handing him a 6.5/10 rating, writing: “Kudus had a tough time breaking free from Niger’s tight marking but provided the assist for Seidu’s goal with a clever pass.”
Mohammed Kudus fails to replicate West Ham United outings for Ghana
The result against Niger now marks two consecutive matches in which Ghana have failed to earn all three points but Ghana are considered one of the strongest African sides, and qualification for AFCON is a mere formality.
Kudus has been asked to play just behind the striker by boss Otto Addo for Ghana, an experiment that has yielded mixed results.
He was excellent in the number 10 role last time out, despite the 1-0 loss to Angola and after an underwhelming performance on the flanks in the Hammers’ 3-1 loss to Manchester City heading into the international break. It could be the best position for him under Julen Lopetegui.
The Irons have undergone a hit-and-miss start to life under the Spaniard, with two defeats in the opening three Premier League fixtures, both at the London Stadium. Albeit, his side faced Champions League opposition in Aston Villa and Man City.
However, if the Hammers are serious about competing in Europe next season the side has to start getting results against the teams above them in the league and show that they are serious contenders for the European spots this season.
All West Ham supporters are well aware of Kudus’ quality, with claims that the forward can improve any side in Europe [Angel Sports] and he will be integral to his side’s success this year.
In other West Ham news, a Niclas Fullkrug injury update has emerged at the Hammers after international developments.
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