Graham Potter faces Kudus decision after West Ham United loss v Aston Villa
West Ham United changing their manager doesn’t look to have sparked Mohammed Kudus back into form, based on his display against Aston Villa.
Kudus, whose form this season has fallen off a cliff compared to last, was the player seemingly most at odds with Julen Lopetegui’s tactics before the Spaniard was dismissed by the Irons on Wednesday (8 January).
With Kudus and Lopetegui not seeing eye-to-eye to such an extent that the Ghanaian could have pushed for a transfer this month, the Hammers’ hiring of Graham Potter could give Kudus a new lease of life.
However, the 24-year old’s performance in their 2-1 FA Cup third-round defeat at Villa Park suggests that like Lopetegui before him, Potter has plenty of work to do if Kudus is to get back to his best.
Mohammed Kudus can’t make difference for West Ham v Aston Villa
Starting in an attacking-midfield three alongside Crysencio Summerville and Lucas Paqueta on Friday (10 January), Kudus was hugely overshadowed by the pair, who combined to put the Irons 1-0 up after nine minutes.
Kudus’ impact was minimal in his 90 minutes on the pitch, and by losing 10 duels overall [FotMob], no player on was dispossessed more often than the Ghanaian for either side.
Those duels amounted to just one of nine on the ground being successful [11 per cent – FotMob], as well as 33 per cent of three in the air, with Kudus penalised on four occasions, and booked once, as a result.
Furthermore, while he did create two chances and fire off two shots on goal, neither key pass came to fruition and his only attempt on target was a 0.05 xG-rated effort from 25 yards out [FotMob].
Kudus did complete 74 per cent of his passes and two out of three attempted long balls [SofaScore], but managed just a single touch in Villa’s box and lost the ball in possession on a further three occasions.
Failing to win a single dribble and not attempting a tackle despite six defensive actions, the only way is surely up for Kudus’ form, and Potter will be hoping he can turn things around sooner rather than later.
In other West Ham news, the Irons are now “desperately hunting” signings in one position after what happened against Villa.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.