West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui believes that Mohammed Kudus still has room to improve defensively.
The Ghana international has struggled in the ongoing season despite a strong debut season. Kudus has so far scored three goals this term for the Hammers.
Following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Southampton on Thursday, Lopetegui emphasized the importance of Kudus’ off-the-ball work.
“I think any attacking player is much better if his focus is on his defensive work,” Lopetegui said.
“It always happens, when you are focused on your defensive work, normally your attacking performance is going to be better because football is about being focused always and a collective game.”
Lopetegui also acknowledged Kudus’ recent injury, which saw him miss five matches, making it difficult to regain his rhythm in the Premier League.
“I think he was doing that but it was a pity he was out for five matches and it’s not easy to recover the rhythm in the Premier League.
“We are happy with him but we are happy because I think this is the only way and he has to understand football is a collective game despite each player having his strengths and his way to understand football.
“He is doing well and he is helping the team. When you do that, all of the other players are going to show that they are better. This is the only way I understand football, it is a collective game and on each one of them they have to put their best for the team,” he added.
As West Ham prepares for a match against Liverpool at the London Olympic Stadium on Sunday, Kudus will look to continue his growth and help his team in the upcoming fixture.