Kudus receives support from West Ham manager during difficult season

The 24-year-old Mohammed Kudus has had a challenging season at West Ham United, with just three goals and one assist to his name after 24 Premier League appearances.

His productivity has been stagnant since December of last year, leaving many to question his form and future at the club. Graham Potter, who took over as West Ham manager in January, has not yet been able to help Kudus regain his best form.

Expectations were high when Kudus joined West Ham from Ajax, having impressed with his dribbling skills, creativity, and clinical finishing during his time in the Eredivisie. His debut season at West Ham showed promising signs, with the Ghanaian playing a pivotal role in several key victories and displaying the kind of flair and determination that made him a fan favorite. However, this current season has been nothing short of frustrating for both Kudus and the club, with inconsistent performances and a lack of end product causing concern.

“I think he’s probably had a season that - from his perspective - has been a little disappointing,” Potter admitted during his Monday press conference. The English coach also referenced Kudus’s highly debated red card in the Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur, which added another layer of frustration to what has been a difficult campaign for the Ghanaian midfielder. The controversial sending-off came after a late challenge on a Spurs player, an incident that many felt was harshly judged but still contributed to Kudus’s already turbulent season.

Despite the disappointing numbers, Potter has not lost faith in Kudus. “In my experience, he has been fantastic in how he works with us every day, absolutely brilliant,” Potter said. “He has built up his fitness to the point where he can now last much better during matches. Football can be like that. Sometimes you go through a period where things just aren’t clicking in front of goal or the final pass just isn’t connecting.”

Potter’s comments reflect a broader belief within the club that Kudus’s struggles are temporary and not reflective of his true potential. While the statistics may suggest a player out of form, Potter has emphasized that Kudus’s work rate, attitude, and overall influence on the pitch remain positive factors. His ability to track back, disrupt opposing midfielders, and contribute defensively has not gone unnoticed, even if his attacking contributions have been below expectations.

According to Potter, Kudus has excelled in other aspects of his game, even if the statistics do not fully reflect his contributions. “Take, for example, how he contributed to our victory against Arsenal (0-1). Even though he didn’t score or provide an assist, he was an absolute top player in that match and helped us tremendously. The stats tell part of the story, but there are also other aspects of his game that have been really, really good.”

Beyond his defensive work, Kudus has also been praised for his versatility. Potter has deployed him in various positions throughout the season, including as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, and even as a false nine. This tactical flexibility has been both a blessing and a curse, as Kudus’s adaptability has sometimes led to him being used in roles that may not fully suit his natural style of play.

The upcoming match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on April 2 at 20:45 presents an opportunity for Kudus to showcase his abilities and prove his worth. With West Ham United struggling to find consistency in the Premier League, Potter is hoping that Kudus can rise to the occasion and deliver the kind of performances expected from a player of his caliber. The encounter with Wolves is critical, not only for the team’s ambitions but also for Kudus’s personal quest to regain his best form.

However, Kudus’s future at the club remains uncertain. Reports from The New York Times suggest that the Ghanaian has a clause in his contract allowing him to leave West Ham for a fee of £85 million (approximately €100 million) this summer. Considering his low output this season and the fact that West Ham needs to sell players to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations, there are growing speculations that Kudus could be sold.

Financial Fair Play restrictions have put pressure on West Ham to balance their books, and selling Kudus for a significant fee could be a tempting proposition for the club. Despite his struggles, the Ghanaian’s reputation and potential still make him an attractive target for top European clubs. His age, skill set, and versatility remain valuable assets, and a change of environment could be the catalyst for Kudus to rediscover his best form.

Despite these rumors, Potter continues to back his player. “The stats aren’t everything,” he reiterated. “We see what he does every day in training, and we believe he has the quality to turn things around.” Potter’s support for Kudus has been unwavering, and the manager’s faith in the Ghanaian could be instrumental in helping him rebuild his confidence.

As West Ham prepares to face Wolverhampton Wanderers, the spotlight will be firmly on Kudus. Whether he can find his form and help guide his team to a crucial victory remains to be seen, but Potter’s unwavering support suggests that the door is still open for Kudus to make a significant impact in the remainder of the season.

The upcoming match against Wolves could serve as a turning point for Kudus. A standout performance could help him silence his critics and rebuild his reputation as one of the Premier League’s most promising attacking talents. On the other hand, another lackluster display could further fuel speculation about his future and raise more questions about his compatibility with Potter’s tactical system.

With nine games remaining in the Premier League season, West Ham finds itself in a precarious position. A strong finish could see them secure a respectable league position and perhaps even challenge for European qualification. Kudus, who arrived at the club with high expectations, has a crucial role to play in determining how West Ham’s season will ultimately be judged.

Beyond the immediate future, Kudus’s potential departure could have wider implications for West Ham’s squad-building strategy. Should the Ghanaian leave for the reported £85 million fee, the club would have significant resources to reinvest. But Potter has made it clear that his preference is for Kudus to remain at the club and prove his worth.

As the April 2 match against Wolverhampton Wanderers approaches, all eyes will be on Kudus. His performance will be closely scrutinized by fans, pundits, and potential suitors alike. If he can rise to the occasion, it could mark the beginning of a much-needed resurgence. If not, the speculation surrounding his future will only intensify. For now, however, Kudus’s fate remains firmly in his own hands.