3 ways West Ham could line-up to fit in Mohammed Kudus

The second option:

Stick with a 4-2-3-1 and play Kudus as a left-winger, in place of Said Benrahma. While this style also replaces Soucek, it does keep Bowen and Antonio in their natural positions, but the same can’t be said for Kudus.

The inverted winger is such a popular role for wide players in today’s game, and having a left-
footed Kudus on the left flank doesn’t fit great. Despite this, Kudus has shown at Ajax he can
play as a traditional winger, and if you give him space on the break, he will find a way to be
effective.

This formation is probably the one Moyes will most likely employ. When Soucek was out with a
concussion, Paqueta, Ward-Prowse and Alvarez looked strong as a midfield three, and then only
Kudus would be playing slightly out of position.

In a perfect world, Kudus would play as a number 10 or on the right, but it doesn’t look likely
that will be the case. Having this kind of selection headache is somewhat of a positive for
Moyes, given the performances of Antonio and Soucek last year, but Kudus will expect to play
every week, and it’s up to the Scotsman to find him the perfect role.

The third option:

We have seen Paqueta play in an inside-left-wing role at times this season with Soucek joining Alvarez and Ward-Prowse in a midfield three. Could Kudus replace the Czech international in games where more attacking and technical flair is needed? Kudus’ ability to unlock tight defences and his ability on the counter has been noticeable in his brief cameos. It would also allow him to play in an advanced eight/No10 role where he has excelled in the past.