Mohammed Kudus: 10 Compelling Reasons Tottenham Star Can Shine in the Champions League
- Mohammed Kudus delivered outstanding numbers during his Champions League run with Ajax
- Tottenham Hotspur's Champions League fixtures include blockbuster meetings with some of Europe's finest teams
- Mohammed Kudus is expected to play a major role for Tottenham Hotspur as Thomas Frank and his men aim to impress in the UCL
The Champions League isn’t new territory for Mohammed Kudus. After lighting up Europe with Ajax, the Ghanaian star now gears up to do the same in a Tottenham shirt.
The 24-year-old is expected to rise under the bright lights again following the 2025/26 Champions League draw on Thursday, August 28.
Here are 10 compelling reasons Mohammed Kudus can shine in the prestigious competition with Tottenham Hotspur.
Source: Getty Images
1. Kudus' UCL performance
Kudus has tasted and handled Champions League intensity before, and it is hoped that he does the same for Thomas Frank's team.
According to Transfermarkt, for Ajax in 2022/23, he produced 4 goals and 2 assists in 6 Champions League matches (9 appearances overall for Ajax across 2020–2023). Those are elite per-minute returns for a forward/attacking midfielder.
2. Kudus' big-game moments
He smashed a stunning equaliser at Anfield against Liverpool on September 13, 2022, during a pressure moment in a hostile arena, proving he thrives under the lights as Liverpool picked up a 2-1 victory against the Dutch giants.
In the current campaign, the Nima-born footballer has hit the ground running with two assists in as many matches against Burnley and Manchester City. Before that, Mohammed Kudus had shone in Spurs' Super Cup loss against Paris Saint-Germain in Udine.
3. Mohammed Kudus scores in multiple ways
At Ajax, Kudus showed variety: near-post lashes, composed finishes, and solo drives, like his brilliant solo goal against Rangers in 2022, which was highlighted by UEFA. That multi-tool scoring profile travels well to the Premier League and into Europe.
Though the ex-West Ham Star is yet to open his Tottenham Hotspur scoring account after three competitive outings, Kudus is expected to start hitting the back of the net as the seasons continues.
Source: Getty Images
4. Kudus is versatile
Mohammed Kudus can play right wing as he has done in Spurs' three games this season so far. He can also operate as a No.10, a false nine, or off the left.
That flexibility lets Tottenham rotate him to exploit mismatches, pinning full-backs wide or attacking half-spaces between lines.
5. Pressing power suits Spurs’ tempo
He learned pressing triggers at Ajax and sharpened them in England. In Europe, where turnovers high up the pitch create quick chances, his anticipation and first five yards can tilt ties Tottenham’s way.
Look no further than his tireless display in Tottenham’s 2-0 win over Manchester City at the Etihad on August 23 for proof of his work rate, prompting the English press to hand the Ghanaian impressive ratings.
6. Elite ball-carrying in transition
Kudus excels at receiving on the half-turn, bursting past the first man and carrying into the box. In Champions League football, where margins are thin, one carry that breaks a press can decide a leg.
7. Chemistry with creative full-backs
Tottenham’s width and underlaps give Kudus constant 2v1s. When full-backs such as Pedro Porro and Djed Spence overlap, he loves to dart inside onto his left foot to wreak havoc against the opposition's backline.
When they overlap, he can hold width and attack the far post thanks to his unreal physical strength and low centre of gravity.
8. Thomas Frank's trust
One of the key factors that enable elite footballers to perform at the highest level and deliver consistent output is the trust they receive from their managers, and Kudus clearly has that under Frank so far.
9. Kudus' zeal to succeed
Every touch, every sprint speaks of a player determined to cement his place and become a key figure in Thomas Frank’s system. The Ghanaian player knows his 2024/25 campaign, his final year, at West Ham, was not at the level and is poised to elevate his performance in North London.
10. World Cup 2026 in focus
Mohammed Kudus has repeatedly expressed optimism about Ghana’s World Cup 2026 hopes and his hunger to deliver for the Black Stars on the global stage.
The Champions League now gives him the perfect platform to showcase his quality in Europe’s elite competition and, if Ghana qualifies, carry that form to Canada, the USA, and Mexico.
Tottenham's UCL fixtures
Meanwhile, here are Tottenham's Champions League fixtures for the League Phase following Thursday's draw: Dortmund (Home), PSG (Away), Villarreal (Home), Frankfurt (Away), Slavia Prague (Home), Bodø/Glimt (Away), Copenhagen (Home), and Monaco (Away).
Mohammed Kudus will look to carry his fine domestic form into these challenging Champions League fixtures as Thomas Frank targets European success.
How Kudus can excel at Tottenham
YEN.com.gh earlier highlighted three reasons Mohammed Kudus could light up Spurs after his high-profile switch from West Ham.
The 24-year-old has impressed in his opening three games, but there are still aspects he can refine to hit elite levels.
Source: YEN.com.gh
