Mohammed Kudus has now revealed what Thomas Frank told him upon joining Tottenham, and areas where the Tottenham boss wants him to improve.
Mohammed Kudus is a player renowned for his flair, dribbling and trickery, and these qualities have been clear to see in his brief spell at Tottenham.
However, while the versatile winger possesses immense quality when it comes to taking on his man and unlocking defences in tight areas, there are still elements of his game that require development.
Kudus has now opened up on what exactly new Tottenham boss Thomas Frank told him when he joined the club, and how that message has shifted his focus as he looks to round out his game.
Mohammed Kudus explains what Thomas Frank expects at Tottenham
Speaking in an interview with football.london, Kudus gave some insight into what Frank has told him since his arrival, particularly regarding the need to offer more without the ball and take up greater responsibility in defensive phases.
“We all know my abilities in 1v1s, trying to create and help the team so that is what I am here to try and do, but defensively I am trying to add to my game as well,” Kudus explained.
The Ghanaian went on to explain that it is not just about attacking output, but about becoming the sort of player his team-mates can rely on in different scenarios across a match.
“I offer a lot offensively, but defensively too I want to make the team feel like they can depend on me because the football also needs me with stuff like that,” he said. “Especially in games like that(against Arsenal) where we are going to have to be defending sometimes.”
Spurs winger Mohammed Kudus already showing defensive maturity
Mohammed Kudus‘ defensive work rate was on full display in Tottenham’s 1-0 win over Arsenal at the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong, where his application without the ball was just as noticeable as his usual attacking threat.
The winger was quick to drop back and cover ground when Arsenal attempted to catch Tottenham out on the break, with his tracking back making it clear that he is beginning to take Frank’s instructions seriously.
Frank also highlighted Kudus’ overall performance and praised the balance he showed between creative output and hard graft, stating: “I think he was really good today Kudus. His hold-up play, the way he takes hold of the ball in tricky situations.
“His one-vs-one skills, his creating opportunities for the team was top class. On top of that I think he is working extremely hard and there was a recovery run from a set piece when he was straining all the way back and he won the ball back.
“That is how he can help the team so much. He will make a lot of the fans excited with his offensive actions and he will also help the team defensively.”
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