Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has admitted he expects West Ham United fans to give Mohammed Kudus a hostile reception when he returns to the London Olympic Stadium this weekend.
For the first time since Daniel Levy’s shock departure, Spurs will take to the field on Saturday evening in a high-stakes Premier League London derby against the Hammers.
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While Tottenham have experienced sweeping changes off the pitch during the international break, West Ham enter the clash on a high after securing an unexpected victory in their last outing.
All eyes will be on Kudus, who will lead the Spurs attack.
The Ghanaian forward drew a blank against Bournemouth before the break, but will now be desperate to net his first league goal for his new club, and doing so against his former side would add extra spice to the occasion.
Kudus left West Ham to join London rivals Spurs after spending two seasons in East London, a move that sparked fury among Hammers supporters.
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Some branded him a “snake,” while others went as far as burning his jerseys in protest on the streets of London.
“You don’t think they will applaud him? Maybe not,” said Frank at the pre-match presser.
“I’m pretty sure players and myself hear the extra noise but then you get into your zone. I’m sure it will be the same for Kudus and anyone in a hostile atmosphere,” he added.
While West Ham have had a poor start to the season, Kudus has flourished at Spurs and has been a key figure in Frank’s starting team.
He has made three appearances and delivered a brace of assist on his Premier League debut for Spurs.
Ahead of the match, Frank urged the Ghanaian to remain focus as Spurs eye a return to winning ways following their setback against AFC Bournemouth.
“The thing he should do is focus on his game. That is what you can control,” he added.
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Kudus’ dribbling numbers raise concerns
Kudus is widely admired for his directness and flair on the ball, but new statistics have sparked debate about his decision-making in possession.
According to data from WhoScored, the 24-year-old has recorded more unsuccessful dribbles than any other Premier League player since the start of last season.
Across spells at West Ham and now Spurs, the ex-Ajax man has amassed 110 failed dribbles, a figure that underlines both his daring style and his struggles with efficiency.
While supporters enjoy his fearless attempts to take on defenders, critics argue that his wastefulness often breaks up attacking momentum.
This narrative adds extra spice to Saturday’s encounter, with West Ham fans sure to remind their former talisman of his mixed record when he takes the pitch at the London Stadium.
How Mohammed Kudus can shine at Tottenham
YEN.com.gh earlier highlighted three key factors that could help Mohammed Kudus excel after his big-money move from West Ham.
The Ghanaian, who joined Tottenham for £55 million, according to Goal, has impressed in his first three outings for Spurs, but still has plenty to prove to hit the top level.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Source: Yen.com.gh
