Importance of Team Composition in Football
In football, a team’s composition is crucial, particularly when it comes to the variety of player profiles. Different skill sets not only enhance a squad’s adaptability but also allow coaches to devise strategies tailored to specific opponents. Thomas Frank, the newly appointed manager of Tottenham Hotspur, is set to leverage the resources available to him while emphasizing the necessity of acquiring players to fill specific roles that could be lacking in the current lineup.
Spurs’ Pursuit of Mohammed Kudus
This summer, Spurs have actively pursued a winger, and their ambitions led them to submit a £50 million ($68 million) bid for Mohammed Kudus of West Ham United, which was ultimately rejected. At just 24 years old, Kudus represents an intriguing target due to his ability to provide flexibility within the team while addressing a noticeable gap in Spurs’ attacking arsenal—namely, their deficiency in skilled dribblers, particularly those who are left-footed.
Kudus’s Skill Set
Kudus’s capabilities extend beyond mere dribbling. He possesses strong ball-carrying skills, which make him a significant threat during fast transitions, and his movement in and around the penalty area enhances his goal-scoring potential. His prowess in one-on-one scenarios is particularly commendable.
“One of my biggest attributes is my willingness to take risks and create opportunities,”
he confidently stated in an interview with The Athletic last year. During the previous Premier League season, Kudus recorded impressive stats, ranking second for attempts to beat defenders with 7.2 dribbles per 90 minutes and also achieving a high success rate with 3.2 successful dribbles per game among players with at least 75 attempts.
Agility and Ball Control
One of the standout elements of his play is not just his ability to maneuver through tight spaces but also his proficiency in covering larger areas of the field. For instance, during a match against Everton, Kudus showcased his agility by deftly driving past defenders while maintaining control of the ball.
Kudus’s low center of gravity is one of his key assets, allowing greater agility in directional changes, making it challenging for defenders to dispossess him. As he noted in a Premier League interview, his extensive training on his lower body has contributed to his resilience against being shoved off the ball. Against Tottenham in May, he exemplified his skill by protecting the ball with his body before swiftly pivoting away from defenders to create a scoring opportunity.
Dribbling Technique and Versatility
His technique of multiple-touch dribbling is designed to keep opponents guessing, enabling him to wait for the opportune moment to accelerate or alter his direction. In a memorable instance during a May match against Luton Town, he skillfully maneuvered through two defenders, delivering a critical assist despite being marked closely.
Kudus’s dribbling style is particularly advantageous for teams that dominate possession, as he excels at maneuvering in confined spaces, adeptly changing direction, and creating angles for passing or shooting. His versatility extends to being proficient with his weaker foot, allowing him to maintain a threat regardless of his position on the pitch.
Transitional Play and Goal Potential
In transitional play, he proves to be a formidable presence, leveraging his quickness and dribbling to excel both on and off the ball.
“When I see space, I have to go for it,”
he remarked, embodying an aggressive approach to attacking. Though his overall attacking statistics may seem underwhelming, partly a reflection of West Ham’s tactical setup, his intelligent off-the-ball movements within the penalty area are noteworthy. In a match against Brentford, Kudus smartly positioned himself to provide a crossing option, demonstrating his awareness of spatial dynamics and timing.
Moreover, Kudus’s potential for increased goal output in a more attacking framework makes him a desirable addition for Spurs. Given his natural ability to capitalize on one-on-one situations, employing him against defenders could yield significant rewards, especially against teams that tend to defend deeply.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Kudus is primarily recognized for his dribbling skills, he offers much more than just that. His unique profile could inject new life into Tottenham’s attack, providing Frank with an arsenal of options to navigate various opposition styles effectively.
