Tottenham Hotspur had a splendid summer transfer window where the North Londoners brought in a few marquee players to Hotspur Way. Among them was a £55m move to sign Mohammed Kudus at N17.
Bringing him to Tottenham meant that the Lilywhites ended up adding much-needed dynamism to their attacking. And the North Londoners, moreover, added that much-needed creativity in the frontline with his signatures.
And now this weekend as Tottenham travel to London Stadium to face West Ham, Kudus returns to his former employers for the first time in Lilywhite. But his return will not be just about emotions; it will also be about tactics, given how the North Londoners can use the Ghanian spearhead in the frontline. And Thomas Frank has some big decisions to make on how to use him.
How can Kudus hurt West Ham?
The Hammers have been playing a bit more compact football but in a very classic Graham Potter way, where he bags on keeping possession in places which can force the opponents out of spaces. But from the first three games we have seen how he likes to push the full backs ahead when there are opportunities in the final third.
So if Thomas Frank is to keep Kudus hugging the touchline. It does two things, one being that it pins West Ham’s left-back Diouf, who is primarily an attacking full-back, deep. And then these situations also force them into one-v-one duels. We know how the Ghana international thrives in those situations. He will try to use his quick feet to drive to the byline or cut inside. We saw something quite similar when Tottenham played Burnley. This is exactly how the summer signing created two goals for Richarlison.
Alternatively, Kudus can also come on the inside and tuck in to play more of a second #10 role. This will allow him to operate closer with Xavi Simons. We saw him playing like this against Arsenal in the pre-season, where he operates closer to the technical players while Pedro Porro holds width. This would also help the Dane head coach have overloads in central areas. This way West Ham’s midfield can be stretched if they’re pulled side to side.
And then, of course, he would be central to all transitional situations. Given how lethal Kudus is when you give him opportunities to get on with pace with space in front of him. If you play Randal Kolo Muani or Richarlison ahead of him, then suddenly the former Ajax man has runners to feed the ball. But then if he is given half a yard himself, he won’t think twice to make the most of it.
The tactical dilemma that Frank will have going into the West Ham game
One big decision that Thomas Frank will have to make will be whether to use Kudus in a direct winger role who stretches West Ham or more of an inverted playmaker who links with players on the inside. We saw how there was this lack of invention against Bournemouth. It was maybe because of the stubborn low block that Iraola put out. But Kudus drifting too deep meant he wasn’t always in threatening areas, and that is one thing which needs to change.
And if Frank gets this balance right, Kudus could be the difference maker in what is expected to be a tight derby.
Author Opinion
This is not just another league game for Kudus. This is an evening where he proves that he belongs at Tottenham. He has the capacity to be an instant hit at N17 if he comes through with the goods in this much-anticipated derby.
But a lot will depend on how Frank will place him and his tactics around the Ghanaian.
Do you think Kudus can get on the scoresheet at London Stadium? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
