Former Premier League midfielder George Boeteng believes Mohammed Kudus can have a bright future in England with Newcastle United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly chasing the ‘amazing’ Ajax forward, speaking to Algemeen Dagblad.
Versatile, technical, a brilliant ball-carrier and a superb finisher from in and outside of the penalty area; Kudus has it all. Well, almost.
According to Boateng, who has worked alongside the former Nordsjaelland wonderkid with the Ghana national team, there is still one obvious area where the much-admired playmaker can improve. Despite scoring a career-best 15 goals this term, Kudus has just three assists to his name.
“In his technique, dribbling and power, Mo is not lacking at all,” says Boateng, the one-time Middlesbrough captain.
“If he lets team-mates score more often with a cross or through ball, Mo can really become a world-class player in the next 18 to 24 months.”
Mohammed Kudus on the radar of Premier League giants
According to 90Min, Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle all made initial contact with the £40 million-rated Kudus on the back of some sparkling performances at the 2022 World Cup. The Accra-born 22-year-old has taken his game to another level since club football returned following the mid-season break, the appointment of John Heitinga as interim coach at Ajax working wonders.
“Mo was our best player in Qatar,” Boateng adds. “The fact that he didn’t play (before this season) at Ajax caused him a little frustration. You can now see what John Heitinga’s confidence does to him. He repays (the faith) in full.
“I am convinced that Mo can compete in the Premier League. And also in other top competitions. He is really an amazing talent.”
‘Exceptional qualities’
Kudus admits himself that he came within touching distance of a potential £15 million switch to Everton back in August. Labelled ‘exceptional’ by Heitinga – a former Goodison Park stalwart – Kudus appears to have moved out of the reach of a Toffees side stuck at the wrong end of the table with more well-heeled, high-flying clubs now in hot pursuit.
“He plays with a lot of confidence,” says Heitinga.
“We know he has exceptional qualities. It’s up to me and the staff to make him even better, especially off the ball. On the ball, he can beat a man, create an overload, provide assists and score. I think that we can be happy that Kudus plays at Ajax.”
“Kudus is a somewhat modest boy. He’s calm, but it’s nice that he’s coming loose on the field now,” adds Ajax team-mate Steven Berghuis.
“The moment really seems to have arrived. These are guys who can make the difference.”
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