When the Tynesiders visit east London tonight, Mohammed Kudus hopes his strong personal record versus Newcastle United will enable him to lead West Ham United to victory.
After a season that was largely uneventful, the Hammers have found some rhythm and defeated both Arsenal and Leicester City in their previous two games. They are hoping to extend their amazing winning run to three games under the London Stadium lights.
Kudus acknowledges that there is still much more to come from him individually, even though a summer team change and a winter management change may have contributed to a challenging campaign that has left the Club sitting 15th in the standings with eleven games remaining.
The Ghanaian international has scored three goals in 25 games this season after being sent off against Tottenham Hotspur in October. He finished second in the voting for the 2023–24 Hammer of the Year award after scoring 14 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions during his debut season in Claret Blue, including two against Newcastle. He also received a five-game suspension.
The 24-year-old stated in an exclusive interview with the Official Programme that “I’ve been below the standards I’ve set for myself this season.” Since our team’s expectations were so high, it’s been a really challenging season.
“I have fallen short of the expectations I have set for myself. I believe that everyone has high expectations of me because of the standards I’ve set and the behavior I’ve displayed, but I also have high expectations of myself.”
“Until the final game of the season, I’ll continue to do what I do and keep trying.” I am aware that this season has been difficult in many ways.
There will always be ups and downs in football, but you must always be yourself.
“I know the influence and impact I can have in a game, and I have very high expectations for myself, even higher than what the fans and others think. Although I wouldn’t say it’s been my best season, we are currently in a phase when we are developing and expanding as a team.
For me, the most crucial thing is to persevere, maintain my self-belief, and carry out my mission. I have a lot more in store for you. —itrotronews.com