You sometimes hear versatility described as both a strength and a weakness in football, but Mohamed Qudous sees his ability to play in multiple positions as a positive as he adjusts to life at West Ham under Graham Potter.
It was a turbulent time for West Ham.
There have been changes as Potter replaces Julen Lopetegui and injuries to forwards Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio, Crisencio Summerville and Niklas Fulkrug have left Danny Ings as the Hammers’ only fit striker.
That has led to Kudus playing in four positions, including at centre-forward, in just three games under Potter and while he admits it is not an ideal situation, he is happy to help the team in any way he can as the Hammers prepare to face : Aston Villa is on Super Sunday!live Sky Sports; start: 16.30.
Sunday, January 26 at 4:00 p.m
Start: 16:30
“I played in four different positions in three games, which is a plus, but it’s also very difficult,” Kudus said. Sky Sports.
“When you play a certain position for a long time, it becomes natural. But being versatile is good for a coach. I can play in a number of positions, but I don’t mind work to score for the team to score three points.
“I’m still learning in other roles and trying to help the team,” he added.
“With the new manager, it’s what’s expected of me depending on the position I’m playing in. It’s very different playing as a second striker or even as a striker.
“I have to be able to change my mind quickly to be able to adapt to whatever position I’m in. That’s something I have to work on and improve.”
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New West Ham boss Graham Potter is discussing whether Mohamed Qudous can play a central role after Fulkrug’s injury.
New Hammers boss Potter explained he could be “creative” due to the striker’s injuries and Kudus, who has management experience with former clubs Ajax and West Ham, was used as a centre-forward in the 2-0 defeat. : Last weekend Crystal Palace.
West Ham have also been very public in their bid to sign a new striker this window The club rejected a bid for forward John Duran from Aston Villa on Sunday.
However, while the 24-year-old admits he still has a lot to learn as a striker, it is a role he is ready to embrace and a challenge he relishes.
“I need to be stronger,” Kudus said of the challenges of playing as a center forward.
“I play against big, strong centre-backs. I have to be strong to defend the ball. Obviously, they are bigger than me, but I can definitely do a job there.
I just need to learn more moves and learn how I can help the team better.
“But I’m also a strong player. It’s definitely a challenge, but I’m good for it and a challenge I love.”
“The players will adapt after the change of coach”
Kudus has scored three league goals this season
Kudus has become a key figure for West Ham since his £38million move from Ajax in the summer of 2023.
He went on a run in east London last season, scoring 14 goals in all competitions as West Ham secured their best half in the league and reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
Kudus hasn’t hit the same heights this season, scoring just three league goals for the Hammers.West Ham haven’t quite hit the same heights this season, leading to Julen Lopetegui’s sacking after just 20 league games.
Potter is the new man at the helm at West Ham and while Kudus insists the change of manager has had its challenges, he believes he and his team-mates must step up to get their season back on track.
Kudus celebrates with Crisencio Summerville
He said: “It was difficult (to change managers).
“There’s a tactical element because every manager has their own way of thinking. There’s a certain role that manager A expects of you and then manager B expects a different role.
“It’s hard how quickly you have to change it in your head and how quickly you have to adapt to a new way of playing. But as professionals, that’s our job.
“We can’t control who the club brings in as a coach, but we can control our effort, our energy and our passion.
“Whoever is the manager, that can change, but you can always run a lot, track, push and fight. That part of the game always remains the same, no matter who the manager is.
“But the tactical part of the game and the style of play is affected. As a group of players we have to change quickly and adapt to the way the new coach wants.”
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FREE TO WATCH. Highlights from West Ham’s Premier League game against Crystal Palace:
“We are all leaders on the field, regardless of who has the captain’s armband,” he added. “We all have a role to play, even the guys on the bench.
“It’s about supporting your teammates and getting them up and ready for the game because in some games it’s the bench that changed the game.
“It’s about the whole team. It’s about taking responsibility, doing your job and making sure the guy next to you is doing his. We need everyone because we all have a role to play.”
“Potter has increased energy”
Graham Potter applauds the fans at the London Stadium
The league win over Fulham was sandwiched between an FA Cup defeat to Aston Villa and last weekend’s disappointing home defeat to Crystal Palace, as Potter quickly stepped into the game.
Three games in a week has left little time for the new manager to pass on his methods to the players on the training pitch, but Kudus has seen the energy in the West Ham squad increase since Potter’s arrival.
“He demands a lot,” Kudus said.
“He’s only been here for a short time but we can feel the energy as players.
“It was the same for me with the old manager, they expect a lot and the hard part is to repeat what he wants me to do in his system. I know we don’t have time, but these things take time points are expected and we have to win, but it takes time to adapt to a new style of play.”
Kudus backs West Ham to win at Villa
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FREE TO VIEW. Highlights from West Ham v Fulham in the Premier League
It’s time for them to spend this week without midweek fixtures as they prepare to face Aston Villa at Villa Park on Sunday, live on Sky Sports (kick-off 4.30pm).
The Hammers have won just seven games in the Premier League this season, losing 10. However, with such a loaded league table, a run of wins will see Potter’s side climb the table in time.
Kudus believes there is no better place to start a winning streak than at Villa Park.
“It’s a difficult championship. “It takes a lot to collect points.
It means a lot for West Ham to play in 50 Premier League games. However, the team is in first place. We want to get to the top of the table and that’s where the focus is.
“But it’s also a very tight league. There aren’t a lot of points between many teams.
“If you can win a few games, you’ll go up the league. We’re very aware of that, and that’s why we have to keep going week by week. Two or three wins, that’s why we have to be focused let’s stay and keep going.
“It’s difficult because the games go so fast, but we have all week to prepare for Aston Villa. We can really soak in what the manager wants us to play.
“This is a big game and an opportunity for us to make a statement.”
Watch Aston Villa v West Ham live on Sky Sports on Super Sunday; start: 16.30.
