Kudus return provides much-needed boost for stuttering Hammers

Mohammed Kudus reminded West Ham supporters exactly what they had been missing on Thursday night.

The Ghanaian marked his return from the Africa Cup of Nations by standing out in a laboured display by David Moyes' side against Bournemouth — winning the equalising penalty in a 1-1 draw.

It was a case of picking straight up where he left off for the fan favourite, who had struck four times in his previous five club appearances before departing for international duty.

Ahead of this afternoon's trip to Manchester United, we reflect on how pivotal Kudus will be to the Irons' pursuit of the top six and European glory this season.

Welcome back

Despite Ghana's struggles, Kudus' hot streak continued during AFCON.

He scored twice in his country's 2-2 draw with Egypt, the first of which being hailed as one of the goals of the tournaments.

West Ham boss Moyes will surely have been quietly pleased about the Black Stars' premature group stage exit, though.

After all, the Hammers' results were noticeably worse without the former Ajax man. They went on a winless run of three draws and one defeat across all competitions in his absence, scoring just three times.

Though he did not find the net against the Cherries, only Jarrod Bowen (14) has scored more goals than Kudus this season (10), so it is unlikely to be long until he opens his account for 2024.

Kudos for Kudus

There is no doubting Kudus's importance to West Ham.

Before the 23-year-old left for AFCON, Moyes said: "It is a huge blow [to lose him] because he scores goals and makes goals. We're going to have to find other ways.

"I have to say, we will hugely miss him."

Ultimately, West Ham could not find a way to replace their attacking star in the short term.

In that sense, the Accra native felt almost like a new signing on Thursday night, alongside the addition of Kalvin Phillips on loan from Manchester City.

And the England international even referenced Kudus's ability after making the switch to East London.

He said: "I'm just so excited to get going. I know the quality of the environment I'm coming into.

"You look at players like Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus, and the whole squad in truth, and it's not hard to get excited."

Main man

Kudus added a sense of dynamism and directness against the Cherries that West Ham clearly lacked in his absence.

That was shown by the way he drove past Lloyd Kelly to win a 61st-minute spot-kick at the London Stadium — and is reflected in his numbers from across the season.

Ahead of this weekend, only three Premier League players have attempted more take-ons per 90 than the flying forward (6.25), while he ranks second for completed take-ons (3.94).

The 32-cap international has also contributed off the ball, ranking third in the division for possessions won in the middle third per 90 (4.62) after Matchday 22.

His tenacity in and out of possession and his increasing goal threat has quickly made him an indispensable part of this Irons team.

Moyes will undoubtedly be delighted to see Kudus back in the starting XI — and he will need all his stars firing this afternoon as West Ham bid to get back to winning ways at Old Trafford.