West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus is hopeful of making an even greater impact in the upcoming 2024/2025 season, gazing upon a European finish in the Premier League.
Kudus impressed in his debut season with the Hammers, contributing to 24 goals in 46 matches. That is a 0.5 goal-per-game ratio in the 2023/2024 season.
The 24-year-old was not only known for his ability to score crucial goals for West Ham in the last season but what impressed many was the mark he left in the quality of the finishes he presented to the world. His overhead kick against Manchester City on the final matchday and his goal against Freiburg which won him an award in the Europa League are perfect examples.
For the Ghana international, transitioning from the Netherlands at Ajax to England’s West Ham United came far from easy, yet he managed to adapt and is grateful to his teammates and coaches for their support in aiding him to settle in and make an impact.
“Good start to announce myself. The help of the team, the teammates, and everyone around the club helped to settle into the game as well. I believe it’s just the beginning, I still have a lot to show. So I take that and build on it towards the season”, Kudus said in an interview via CBS Sports Golazo.
Mohammed Kudus was also full of praise for West Ham United fans who consistently showed their support for him after his move to England. To Kudus, the Hammers make the club feel like home.
“The connection and the love from the fans in a short span of time is amazing. It’s very surprising to me how the fans embraced my style of play and how I carry myself. It comes with a lot of responsibilities but it’s a pleasure to play in a club like this”
Ahead of the 2024/25 season, Kudus will be aiming to improve upon his tally of goals last season. Nonetheless, his focus still lies on returning to Europe to compete after West Ham finished in England’s top flight in eighth place.
Kudus says the goal is to qualify for European competition and he is ready to all that is within his power to make it a reality.
“As a whole team, we couldn’t qualify for Europe last season so the goal is to qualify for Europe this season and challenge the top six. As a player, it’s just trying to use my individual skills and abilities to help the team qualify for the Europe stage for next season”.
Last season, Kudus was also remembered by many for his trademark celebration and insists that next season’s goals will have a more intriguing spice attached to it.
“Honestly when I started, I saw the game as entertainment so just like you see how I play, I try to leave a mark or stamp in the head of the fans. I ask myself what can I do to make it different. We are going to add more spice to it next season. So definitely watch out for it”.
A talking point over this summer was Kudus’ gesture of carrying a baby of some West Ham fans of Ghanaian origin in pre-season training. Kudus explains what it means to him to put a smile on the faces of all, indicating it as crucial in the day-to-day circumstances of life.
“We were done with training and the fans were there so I saw all these Ghanaian guys and he was like I should take her son and bless him. I don’t know what that means but I took the boy and it was nice. I’m happy to put a smile on people’s faces. It’s the little things that matter in life”.
West Ham are set to begin their Premier League campaign against Aston Villa at home, and Kudus will be aiming to make his mark in that game as well. He could hit double figures for goals in this upcoming season, especially under new manager Julien Lopetegui.
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