West Ham United manager David Moyes has commended Mohammed Kudus for his impressive performance during his first start for the Hammers in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday.
After being stunned by their opponents Backa Topola just after the break, West Ham United responded positively, by overturning the scoreline swiftly.
The Europa Conference League holders mounted massive pressure on their Serbian club which eventually got them the equaliser after Said Benrahma’s cross forced an own goal. The goal was evidently a result of Mohammed Kudus’ pressure on the goalkeeper in the box at the time of Benrhama’s delivery.
Kudus’ moment arrived on the 70th-minute mark when he leaped highest to nod in a powerful header from a corner-kick expertly delivered by James Ward-Prowse which was followed with another goal from Soucek to culminate a 3-1 win.
After the game, Moyes lauded the efforts of the Black Stars player highlighting his essential contribution to West Ham’s goals.
“I thought Mo started the game really well and the team was playing well in the opening 20 minutes. He faded away, but in the end, he came up with one and maybe two goals, I’m being told, so I’m really, really pleased for him,” said Moyes after the game.
“He’s made a good start, we like him a lot and we’ll edge him in when we get the opportunities in the right moments to do so. I’m pleased because we needed someone to come up with goals tonight and he was the one who did it.”
The 23-year-old joined the Hammers last month after a remarkable spell with Ajax but only made his first start on Thursday night having climbed off the bench in the team’s last two games against Luton Town and Manchester City.