Dribble Maestro Kudus Keeps to Impress Amidst High Hopes

Mohammed Kudus has quickly become as Spurs' key performer.

After making his move from West Ham during the summer window in a £55 million deal, the Ghana international has been an outstanding presence in Tottenham's midfield.

Currently, with four Premier League assists under his belt, at last scored his first goal with the winner during a 2-1 win against Leeds United at Elland Road.

"The moment had come, wasn't it? There are big expectations," commented manager Thomas Frank.

"I'm delighted for Mo - he was craving that first goal. He's been our best offensive player up to now. It's clear he looked more relaxed and fluid."

The midfielder's incisive pass set up Mathys Tel to score his first goal of the season prior to Kudus struck low into the net to reclaim Tottenham's advantage after the Leeds forward leveled the score for Leeds.

"Mohammed Kudus has enjoyed a really good beginning to his Tottenham career," said former Manchester United and England striker the pundit, 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."

The player explained to broadcasters after the win he had been "waiting" to open his account.

"For any forward, it elevates your self-belief when you score. This is progress in the right direction," he continued.

Mohammed Kudus Shines As the Manager's Summer Acquisitions

Tottenham backed new manager Frank in the transfer window, investing £181 million for Dutch playmaker Xavi Simons, Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel, defender Kevin Danso and Mohammed Kudus.

Sources indicated at the time that the midfielder had prioritised a switch to north London despite at least six top clubs showing interest in the Ghana star.

He cited the manager as a key factor for choosing Spurs - a decision that is now paying dividends, especially amid absences of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski affecting the team's inventiveness at times this season.

The midfielder has played almost every minute of Tottenham's league campaign to date, creating 13 opportunities in Premier League play - behind only Manchester City's Grealish (17), Bruno Fernandes (16) and Stach (14).

Against Leeds, he contested 19 duels, coming out on top in 10 of them - the highest in the match on the pitch.

"Tottenham have spent a bit of money and now have a lot of strength in depth with plenty of forward choices, yet in my view Mohammed Kudus has been the best of their new signings," commented the former striker.

"He's brought a unique dimension to the squad, both on and off the ball."

His exceptional skill on the ball is unparalleled across the Premier League this season, while his agility and creativity render him a constant threat in attack.

"I appreciate the way he takes the ball, keeps hold of it and creates time for his team-mates to support him further up the pitch," noted the pundit. "He's a thrilling talent, speedy, strong and works hard. His overall performance in the match was outstanding."

Former Newcastle United and England striker Alan Shearer said: "The majority of his game have been excellent this season, other than scoring goals, but he's off the mark now and that has to be a good sign.

"He proved a genuine danger in the game and looks a really good addition for Spurs."

Premier League's Dribble King

• Kudus executed each of his six dribbles versus Leeds, the best success rate by a Tottenham Hotspur player in a Premier League game after Tanguy Ndombele vs. Villa back in March 2021 (also 6/6).
• The midfielder has tried 57 dribble attempts in Premier League action this season, more than any other player (Doku is next with 39).
• Of those 57 attempts, 30 were successful, which also ranks as the top figure in the league (Doku follows with 18).
• He has created 13 opportunities in league play this season, only surpassed by Jack Grealish (17), Bruno Fernandes (16) and Anton Stach (14).
• Just Haaland and Semenyo (each with nine) boast more contributions to goals in the league this season than Kudus, with five (one goal, four assists), with four of his five involvements occurring versus recently promoted teams.