In Focus: West Ham's new man Kud be a game changer for Moyes

Cian Cheesbrough
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West Ham have completed an eye-catching coup by signing Mohammed Kudus
West Ham have completed an eye-catching coup by signing Mohammed Kudus

West Ham have made a superb start to the season with two wins and a draw — and their eye-catching signing of Mohammed Kudus from Ajax is the cherry on top.

The Ghana international, who was linked with Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United this summer, joined the Hammers a day after their impressive 3-1 win at Brighton on Saturday evening.

Signing a five-year deal in West London, Kudus will hope to take the Premier League by storm after scoring 18 goals for the Dutch outfit last season.

Ahead of his potential debut at Premier League new boys Luton on Friday, we look at what the 23-year-old will bring to the Europa Conference League winners.

The evolution continues

While Declan Rice's departure to Arsenal was a blow, the £105million fee handed the Hammers the opportunity to evolve into a more well-rounded outfit during the off-season.

James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez's arrivals in midfield look set to replace a number of their former talisman's defensive and creative qualities, sprinkling in a few of their own too.

Kudus is a more attacking option, adding another dimension to an Irons frontline which had become predictable at times last term.

Impressing as an attacking midfielder, up front or on the right wing, Kudus is a versatile option who can slot into multiple roles as the season progresses.

Mohammed Kudus was one of the Eredivisie's best attackers last season
Mohammed Kudus was one of the Eredivisie's best attackers last season

Squad goals

No West Ham player scored more than six Premier League goals last season, with their underwhelming 42 overall strikes a key reason for their struggles.

Signing a player who managed 18 in all competitions last term will therefore have been welcomed with open arms by Moyes.

Kudus already had four goals to his name for De Godenzonen this season prior to his move to East London. 

With Ward-Prowse already showcasing his ability to find the net, Lucas Paqueta coming to the fore and Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen re-discovering their scoring touches, Moyes' men now have a goal threat from multiple areas.

Unpredictability

It is easy to see why so many of England's established sides were keen on the talented Ghanaian this summer, with his nose for goal far from his only standout quality.

The 24-cap international's low centre of gravity allows him to wriggle past players on the turn, creating space to drive forward with his dynamism, go for goal or create a chance for his team-mates.

And as the man himself attests to, Hammers fans can be expected to be lifted off their seats by their new hero.

After his switch was completed, Kudus said: "I try my best to entertain the fans as I think that's what football is all about. I'm just here to do my best and help the team."

License to thrill

West Ham's midfield trio of Alvarez, Ward-Prowse and Tomas Soucek proved a solid midfield foundation against Brighton and will allow Kudus to focus on doing what he enjoys best.

His introduction will certainly lessen the creative load on Paqueta, who continues to impress for the Irons despite a potential ban for gambling hanging over his head.

Whether Kudus fills in for the Brazilian in his absence or stars alongside him, he looks nailed on to be a hit at the London Stadium.

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West Ham UnitedPremier LeagueMohammed Kudus