Graham Potter offers Mohammed Kudus verdict as new West Ham boss forced to change

Graham Potter said he has no issues with Mohammed Kudus leading the Hammers’ attack after yet another striker was ruled out.

The club’s new boss was heartened by the Ghanian international’s performance at Villa Park, where he played a more central role. And that looks set to continue after Niclas Fullkrug pulled up with what Potter admitted looked like a 'serious' issue less than 15 minutes into the 2-1 defeat in the Midlands.

The German joins Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio on the sidelines but the Englishman saw enough to suggest that the former Ajax forward can carry the burden up front. He said: “Mo was really dangerous. He’s got some good attributes.

“He worked really well, first-half, pressing, won some balls. Carried a threat. He was affected by the team in the second-half because it was more difficult for him to get into the game.

THE FA CUP GIANT KILLERS: Get your special edition magazine celebrating some of the game's greatest-ever upsets

“I was encouraged. He played more centrally than he has done for a bit. He quite likes that central role to the right.

“He comes in on that left foot and he’s a threat. He offers us a good option, absolutely.”

Aaron Cresswell said the players have to take their share of the blame for the exit of Julen Lopetegui - but also admitted that Potter brings with him a style of play that he’s looking forward to implementing. The Hammers have back-to-back home matches against London rivals Fulham and Crystal Palace to look forwards to this week.

Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA) Catherine Ivill - AMA)

The defender said: "It's never easy when the manager leaves and a new one comes in. But, look, it's partly the players' fault not performing.

"We've got to look forward now and move forward. We're looking forward to Tuesday night. We only had a couple of days [before Villa] to sit down, go through tactics and how he wants to work and implement his style.

“Certainly, over the years, I've played against his Brighton side and Chelsea side, and they've played some lovely football. I'm sure over time, you know, we'll get to that stage, and as I say, we're looking forward now to Tuesday night.

"We'll have time to work from Saturday and keep pushing forward."

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Click here to read article