A year of brilliance: Mohammed Kudus’ West Ham journey so far

A year ago today, West Ham United completed a transfer that would completely transform their attacking unit.

Mohammed Kudus, the Ghanaian sensation, swapped the red and white of Ajax for the claret and blue of East London, and what a year it’s been.

When Kudus arrived at the London Stadium, expectations were high. The £38 million price tag brought pressure, but the 24-year-old has more than lived up to the hype.

One year since GH boy touched down in the East End 🇬🇭⚒️ pic.twitter.com/drIzeZKiyb

— West Ham United (@WestHam) August 27, 2024

In just 365 days, Kudus has become not just a player, but a phenomenon for the Hammers and earned the tag ‘starboy’.

The numbers speak volumes. With 14 goals and 6 assists across all competitions, Kudus has been directly involved in 20 goals for West Ham in 47 games. But it’s not just about the statistics; it’s how he’s achieved them that has set him apart.

🇬🇭 Mohammed Kudus is the first player to complete 100 take-ons in the Premier League since the start of last season. pic.twitter.com/nFjTLFOrQ6

— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) August 24, 2024

Kudus’ flair on the ball is unmatched in the Premier League. Since his debut, he has become the first player to complete 100 take-ons in the league, a testament to his incredible dribbling ability and close control.

The Ghanaian has often left defenders grasping at thin air as he effortlessly glides past them and leaves them in his wake with mesmerizing footwork.

But it’s his taste for the spectacular that has captured fans’ imaginations worldwide.

Who could forget his solo masterpiece against Freiburg in the Europa League? Picking up the ball in his own half, Kudus embarked on a mazy run, gliding past defenders before coolly slotting past the goalkeeper. It was a goal worthy of winning any game, and indeed, it claimed the Europa League Goal of the Season award for 2023/24.

Then there was the gravity-defying overhead kick that for a brief moment left Manchester City fans on the edge of their seats on the final day of last season. With all eyes on the Etihad, Kudus chose the biggest stage to showcase his acrobatic skills, leaving Ederson rooted to the spot as the ball nestled in the top corner.

It wasn’t a one-off as earlier in the season, Kudus had scored a similar goal against Brentford, proving that his first was no fluke. It’s this consistency in producing moments of magic that has endeared him to the West Ham faithful.

After each of these spectacular goals, Kudus’ celebration has become iconic in its own right. The seated pose, a picture of calm amidst the chaos of celebration around him, has been replicated by fans young and old. It’s a celebration that speaks to Kudus’ character – composed, confident, and cool under pressure.

At just 24 years old, the exciting prospect is that Kudus is only scratching the surface of his potential. His first year at West Ham has been a resounding success, but there’s a sense that the best is yet to come. Under new coach Julian Lopetegui who is more attacking and West Ham’s willingness to invest, the sky is the limit for the Ghanaian star.

Looking ahead, West Ham fans are eagerly anticipating what the next year might bring. As things stand, the Premier League has been put on notice by the magic of Kudus.

This is a player capable of the extraordinary, a match-winner who can turn a game on its head in an instant. From Ajax prospect to West Ham superstar, Kudus’ journey is a testament to his talent, hard work, and the faith shown in him by the club.

The next chapter of Kudus’ West Ham story is yet to be written, but if his first year is anything to go by, it looks like it will be an intriguing read. Kudus is gradually making the London Stadium his personal canvas, as he’s just getting started on his masterpiece.