Dribbling Maestro Kudus Keeps to Impress Amidst High Expectations
Mohammed Kudus is rapidly emerging as Tottenham Hotspur's key player.
Since his move from the Hammers this summer in a £55 million deal, the talented midfielder has been an outstanding presence for the Spurs midfield.
Currently, after setting up four league goals under his belt, at last netted his maiden strike by securing the decisive goal during a 2-1 win over Leeds away at Elland Road.
"It was about time, wasn't it? We've got high hopes," commented head coach the Spurs boss.
"I'm so happy for Mo - he needed that first goal. He has been our best attacking performer up to now. You just see he appeared a little bit more fluid."
The midfielder's incisive pass assisted the young forward to score his maiden strike this campaign before the midfielder struck into the bottom corner to restore Tottenham's lead after the Leeds forward leveled the score for the hosts.
"Kudus has made a really good beginning with Spurs," said ex-United and England forward Wayne Rooney, who is a pundit on the weekend's highlights show.
"He already had a few assists but was missing that first goal and he's got it now."
Kudus told broadcasters following the victory he had been "waiting" to open his account.
"As an attacker, it boosts your confidence when you score. That marks a step in the right direction," he added.
Kudus Shines As Frank's Summer Acquisitions
Tottenham backed new manager Frank during the summer, spending £181m for Netherlands midfielder Xavi Simons, German club forward Mathys Tel, defender Kevin Danso and Mohammed Kudus.
Sources revealed at the time that the midfielder had prioritised a move to north London despite multiple elite teams showing interest in the Ghana star.
He pointed to Frank as a key factor in joining Tottenham - a choice that is now paying dividends, particularly with injuries to key creative players affecting the team's inventiveness at times this season.
Kudus has featured in almost every minute in Spurs' league matches so far, creating 13 opportunities in the league - behind only Jack Grealish (17), Bruno Fernandes (16) and Stach (14).
Against Leeds, he engaged in 19 challenges, coming out on top in 10 of them - more than any other player on the pitch.
"Tottenham invested significant funds and now possess a lot of strength in depth with numerous attacking options, yet in my view Kudus has been the top of their new signings," stated the former striker.
"He has introduced a unique dimension to the team, both on and off the ball."
His exceptional skill on the ball is unmatched in the league this season, while his quickness and inventiveness render him a perpetual danger going forward.
"I like his ball control, keeps hold of it and buys time for teammates to join him in advanced positions," noted Rooney. "He's an exciting player, quick, strong and industrious. Everything about him today was outstanding."
Ex-Newcastle and England forward Alan Shearer said: "Most parts of his game have been brilliant so far, except for putting the ball in the back of the net, but now he's scored and that has to be a good sign.
"He was a real threat in the game and looks a really good addition for Tottenham."
The Dribble King
- Kudus completed all six dribbles versus Leeds, the best 100% rate by a Tottenham Hotspur player in a Premier League game after Ndombele vs. Villa back in March 2021 (also 6/6).
- Kudus has attempted 57 dribbles in the league so far, the most in the league (Doku is next with 39).
- From those 57 tries, 30 were successful, which is also the best record in the league (Doku follows with 18).
- Kudus has produced 13 chances in the league to date, behind only Grealish (17), Fernandes (16) and Anton Stach (14).
- Just Haaland and Semenyo (both 9) boast more contributions to goals in the Premier League this term than Kudus, with five (one goal, four assists), with four of his five involvements occurring versus newly promoted sides.