Mohammed Kudus
Ghana and West Ham star, Mohammed Kudus’ recent dip in form has raised eyebrows.
The fine midfielder has demonstrated a below average performance since the beginning of the season.
And while many have blamed his struggle on an alleged rancour with the club’s new manager, others have placed the blame on external factors – family.
Under new manager Julen Lopetegui, Kudus has struggled to replicate the form that saw him hog the headlines week-in-week-out last season.
The mercurial midfielder scored 14 goals and delivered six assists in his first season, making him a fan-favourite at the London Olympic Stadium.
But, being taken off after the first half of the Premier League game against Brentford summed up the form of the attacking midfielder this season.
His substitution saw an unhappy Kudus as he walked to the bench in frustration, portraying a public fall out with the gaffer.
Reports in England suggest that the former Ajax man is gradually losing his spot in Lopetegui’s team after the Spanish trainer suggested Kudus was not a team player.
“It was for tactical reasons,” said the head coach after the Brentford game.
The former Real Madrid coach added, “The second half we worked as a team, and for me this is a very important step. I highlighted the behaviour in the second half because I think we put on the pitch what we needed.”
By Kofi Owusu Aduonum