MY ACCOUNT
Mohammed Kudus has been linked with a big-money move to Manchester United.
The 22-year-old has had something of a breakout season at Ajax, sparking rumours of a reunion with his former manager Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.
Since the Dutchman took charge at United over the summer, he has twice signed players from his former club with Antony and Lisandro Martinez following him to Manchester.
Ahead of Ajax’s KNVP Beker quarter-final against De Graafschap on Thursday night, we turn the spotlight on Kudus and examine where he might fit in at the Premier League giants.
Positional changes
In his third season at Ajax, the Ghanian international has become a vital member of the team.
After making a move from the Danish Superliga club Nordsjaelland in 2020, Kudus’ first two seasons under the leadership of Ten Hag, were beset by injuries.
He nevertheless featured regularly, whenever he was available. Though he had played as a striker in his final season in Denmark, he was used as an attacking midfielder or in a deeper role by Ajax.
This season, Kudus has shone playing further forward. Ten Hag’s successor Alfred Schreuder used him as a striker or No 10.
When he was sacked and replaced by John Heitinga, the versatile ace has been utilised on the right of the attack to great effect and it could be in this position where he solves a problem at United.
Goals flowing
Kudus has scored 16 goals for Ajax this season, with five of those coming from seven appearances under Heitinga in which he has started on the right.
He was also used in this position by Ghana in the World Cup, scoring twice in the 3-2 win over South Korea.
Ten Hag’s regular right winger at Ajax last season was Antony, who followed the manager to Old Trafford in a transfer deal that could eventually rise to a reported £86million.
The Brazilian has been erratic since making the move. Scoring six goals in 26 games, he has shown flashes of his potential but has yet to prove that he can consistently provide an end product.
Though the versatility of Kudus means that he could potentially fill multiple roles at United, the club’s longstanding issues on the right flank, suggest that is where he might fit in best.
Simply the Bast
Legendary former Ajax striker Marco van Basten has no doubts as to whether Kudus or Antony is the better option.
When quizzed on the subject, the Dutch international said: “I find Mohammed Kudus a much better football player than Antony.
“Antony has his skills, but he is confused with the things he is trying to do. Kudus has much better technique and he knows what he is doing. Antony may be faster, but Kudus is smarter and more technical.
“He is much more of a footballer, you can place him anywhere on the pitch, an all-rounder for the team.”
Kudus has already replaced Antony in the Ajax team and there is now the possibility that he will soon do so again at United.
Ajax aims
The signing of Kudus looks like something of a no-brainer for any of Europe’s major clubs.
In terms of a potential move to United, he could bring more consistency to the right of their attack. Yet he would also provide valuable cover in more than one midfield position and even as a striker.
For now, he has much to do at Ajax with a victory tonight earning them a semi-final berth, while they are three points behind leaders Feyenoord in the Eredivisie.
From an individual perspective, Kudus is in the running to be the league’s top scorer. In a season where he has been shifted across multiple positions, that would be a major achievement.
