New West Ham United signing Mohammed Kudus likened to Chelsea legend Michael Essien
New West Ham United signing Mohammed Kudus is like Chelsea legend Michael Essien, according to former Nordsjaelland boss Flemming Pedersen.
Pederson managed the new Hammers attacker at the Danish club, where Kudus spent two years before moving to Ajax.
The Ghana international then spent three years at the Dutch giants before his switch to the London Stadium this summer.
“Just give him the chance to open up because he has so much to offer,” Pederson told Sky Sports, explaining that the player has “extreme physical power.”
Sky Sports journalist Adam Bate added: “In that respect, Pedersen likens him to Michael Essien, another Ghanaian, now working as part of the coaching staff at Nordsjaelland.
“Essien was 22 when he came to the Premier League and immediately earned his place in Chelsea’s title-winning team.”
Rapid rise
It may be hard to believe given all that he has achieved so far in his brief career, but the new West Ham ace is just 23 years old.
The Ghana international won the Dutch league title twice during his time at Ajax, leaving the club in the summer with 87 appearances and 27 goals to his name.
Kudus was handed just one minute by manager David Moyes in the 2-1 win against Luton Town on Friday (1 September), and so hasn’t had the chance to show Hammers supporters what he is fully capable of.
But it definitely won’t take long for the attacker to come to life in claret and blue, particularly given how he netted four goals for Ajax this season before he opted to leave for a new challenge in England.
The 23-year-old is certain to play a key role at his new club in the coming months, both in the Premier League and Europa League.
In other West Ham news, a rival bid is now on the cards for the Hammers to miss out on a freebie signing.