As auditions go, Mohamed Kudus can be happy with how he handed the Anfield exposure ahead of a potential summer move to Liverpool for the West Ham United attacker.

While there was to be no fourth goal and no third assist of a largely underwhelming Premier League campaign, the former Ajax ace at least saved one of his livelier displays for the home of Arne Slot’s champions-elect.

Slot labelled Kudus a player of Liverpool quality following a hard-fought 2-1 win secured via an 89th minute Virgil van Dijk header.

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Given the concerns that have been raised regarding hid discipline at times recently – particularly after that remarkable head loss at Tottenham – former West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui may be tempted to describe Mohamed Kudus as ‘uncontrollable’ for rather different reasons.

There can be no question about the talent, however, of a footballer who certainly possesses the raw potential to wear Liverpool red.

Photo by MB Media/Getty Images

According to the Daily Mail’s Dominic King, Sunday was not the first time Kudus made an impression on those at Liverpool.

Former Feyenoord boss Arne Slot, meanwhile, came up against the £50 million-rated speedster during his time in the red and white of Ajax.

He feels that Kudus – as was demonstrated again last weekend – currently lacks the ruthlessness required of a footballer at one of the Premier League’s title-chasing clubs.

“[Kudus’ performances this season have been] a bit less [impressive].

Having said that, West Ham are having a mediocre season, so it’s difficult to really excel.

“Goals and assists are now a bit of a drag, and then the picture changes very quickly of course.”

While Kudus did notch eight league goals during an impressive debut season at West Ham, spending a rumoured £50 million on a forward with only three from 26 matches in the current campaign would undoubtedly raise eyebrows.

Especially when those disciplinary concerns, and an alarming drop off at times from the 2023/24 term, are also factored in.

Yet, Arne Slot does not appear to have seen his belief in this most enigmatic of attackers shaken.

“That is what makes the Premier League so strong this season; I think they are 16th or 17th in the league but I can name you one or two players that could have easily played with us today in terms of quality,” Slot said after Liverpool extended their advantage over Arsenal to thirteen points.

“That is what the Premier League is about.
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