Dribbling Maestro Kudus Keeps to Impress Amidst Big Hopes
The Ghanaian midfielder is rapidly emerging as Tottenham Hotspur's most influential player.
Since his move from West Ham during the summer window for a fee of £55m, the talented midfielder has been a bright spark in Tottenham's midfield.
Now, with four Premier League assists under his belt, he finally netted his maiden strike with the decisive goal during a 2-1 win over Leeds at Elland Road.
"It was about time, right? There are big expectations," stated manager Thomas Frank.
"I'm delighted for Mohammed - he was craving that goal. He has been our top attacking player so far. It's clear he looked a little bit more fluid."
The midfielder's incisive pass set up Mathys Tel in scoring his first goal of the season before the midfielder struck into the bottom corner to reclaim Spurs' advantage after the Leeds forward had equalised for Leeds.
"Kudus has made a really good beginning to his Tottenham career," said ex-United and England forward Wayne Rooney, who is a pundit on Saturday's Match of the Day.
"He had already notched a few assists though he lacked that goal and now he has it."
Kudus told broadcasters following the victory that he was "waiting" for his first goal.
"As an attacker, it elevates your self-belief when you score. That marks a step in the right direction," he continued.
Mohammed Kudus Shines As Frank's Summer Signings
Spurs supported new manager Frank during the summer, investing £181m on Netherlands midfielder Xavi Simons, German club forward Mathys Tel, defender Kevin Danso and Mohammed Kudus.
Insiders revealed back then that Kudus preferred a switch to north London despite multiple top clubs showing interest in the Ghana star.
He pointed to Frank as a key factor for choosing Spurs - a choice now yielding benefits, especially amid absences of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski affecting the team's inventiveness at times this season.
Kudus has played nearly all minutes in Spurs' league matches to date, creating 13 chances in the league - behind only Jack Grealish (17), Bruno Fernandes (16) and Anton Stach (14).
Versus Leeds United, he engaged in 19 challenges, coming out on top in 10 - more than any other player in the game.
"Tottenham invested significant funds and now have a lot of strength in depth with numerous forward choices, but I think Kudus stands as the best of their new signings," commented the former striker.
"He has introduced a unique dimension to the squad, both on and off the ball."
His exceptional skill on the ball is unmatched in the league this season, while his agility and creativity make him a perpetual danger going forward.
"I like his ball control, maintains possession and buys time for his team-mates to join him in advanced positions," noted Rooney. "He's an exciting player, speedy, strong and works hard. Everything about him today was outstanding."
Ex-Newcastle and England forward Alan Shearer remarked: "Most parts of his game have been excellent so far, except for putting the ball in the back of the net, but he's off the mark now and that is a good sign.
"He was a genuine danger today and appears an excellent signing for Spurs."
The Dribble King
- Mohammed Kudus executed all six dribble attempts versus Leeds, the best success rate for a Spurs player in a league match since Ndombele against Aston Villa in March 2021 (also 6/6).
- The midfielder has tried 57 dribbles in Premier League action this season, more than any other player (Doku is next with 39).
- Of those 57 attempts, 30 have been completed, which also ranks as the top figure in the league (Jeremy Doku second with 18).
- He has produced 13 chances in the league to date, only surpassed by Grealish (17), Fernandes (16) and Anton Stach (14).
- Only Haaland and Semenyo (both 9) have more contributions to goals in the league this term than Kudus (5 - 1 goal, 4 assists), with four of his five involvements occurring versus recently promoted teams.