Sports
Mohammed deserves praise for his excellent Ajax form
Manchester United has been linked to a lucrative transfer for Mohamed Kudus.
The 22-year-breakthrough old’s season at Ajax has given rise to rumors of an Old Trafford reunion with his former manager Erik ten Hag.
Since becoming United’s manager in the summer, the Dutchman has twice brought in players from his previous team, including Lisandro and Antony Martinez.
We shine a light on Kudus and consider where he might fit in at the Premier League giants ahead of Ajax’s KNVP Beker quarterfinal matchup against De Graafschap on Thursday night.
Placement shifts
The Ghanaian international has established himself as a key player for the team in his third season with Ajax.
The first two seasons of Kudus, led by Ten Hag, saw a slew of injuries after moving from the Danish Superliga team Nordsjaelland in 2020.
Yet, while he was accessible, he appeared frequently. Ajax employed him as an attacking midfielder or in a deeper position, despite the fact that he had played as a striker in his final season in Denmark.
Kudus has excelled this year when playing more forward. Alfred Schreuder, Ten Hag’s successor, employed him as a striker or No. 10.
The versatile ace has been used on the right of the attack to great effect since he was fired and replaced by John Heitinga, and it might be in this position that he helps United with a problem.
In his seven appearances under Heitinga, Kudus began on the right side and scored five of his 16 goals for Ajax this season.
In the World Cup, Ghana also deployed him in this position, and he scored twice in the 3-2 victory over South Korea.
Last year, Antony, Ten Hag’s go-to right winger at Ajax, accompanied the manager to Old Trafford in a transfer deal that might ultimately cost as much as £86 million.
Since moving, the Brazilian has been unpredictable. He has six goals in 26 appearances, displaying glimpses of his potential, but hasn’t yet demonstrated that he can regularly produce a finished good.
Although Kudus’ versatility could allow him to serve in a variety of capacities at United, the team’s ongoing problems on the right side make that position seem to be where he would be most effective.
Simply the Best
Legendary former Ajax striker Marco van Basten has no doubts as to whether Kudus or Antony is the better option.
When quizzed on the subject, the Dutch international said: “I find Mohammed Kudus a much better football player than Antony.
“Antony has his skills, but he is confused with the things he is trying to do. Kudus has much better technique and he knows what he is doing. Antony may be faster, but Kudus is smarter and more technical.
“He is much more of a footballer, you can place him anywhere on the pitch, an all-rounder for the team.”
Kudus has already replaced Antony in the Ajax team and there is now the possibility that he will soon do so again at United.
The signing of Kudus looks like something of a no-brainer for any of Europe’s major clubs.
He may add more consistency to their attack’s right side if he were to join United. He would, however, also offer helpful cover in a number of midfield positions, even as a striker.
He currently has a lot to accomplish at Ajax because they are currently third in the Eredivisie, three points behind Feyenoord, and a win tonight would put them in the semifinals.
From a personal standpoint, Kudus is vying to be the league’s leading scorer. That would be a significant accomplishment in a season where he has been moved around many positions.
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