'Icing on the cake' - Misfiring West Ham star gets 6/10 despite scoring for national side

One of West Ham’s key men has been impressing on international duty, playing a big part in a statement win. The Hammers will be hoping all of their players return safe and sound, and hopefully in good form as they prepare for the final stretch of the season.

Graham Potter has struggled to get consistency from his men, but he will expect good performances between now and the end of the season, with many players playing for their future given the expected turnaround within the Irons squad this season.

One player who remains key for West Ham is Mohammed Kudus, who has attracted plenty of interest since arriving at the London Stadium. Kudus has not been as dangerous this season, though, and Potter will be pleased to see him grab a goal and - hopefully - some confidence with his national side Ghana.

Kudus scored the third of the game in a 3-0 win over Madagascar, adding to a brace from Arsenal’s Thomas Partey. Kudus’ performance was only enough to land a 6/10 in MyJoyOnline’s player ratings, though. They explained: “Displayed his usual ball-holding skill and ultimately found the back of the net to put the icing on the cake.”

The win was a big one, with Madagascar second in the group, and the victory means there is now a five-point gap for Ghana over their nearest challengers.

Ghana boss Otto Addo said after the game, as per Ghana Soccer Net: “Like I said, it is not done yet. We still have to work hard. This is football, [and] things can turn very fast, and as a national [team] coach, you always have to wait for some months before you can get the team together to play again.

“I am very happy with the result and the way we played. It’s well deserved, and we are looking forward. We can’t change the past. We have to look forward and use this position in which we are now to qualify for the World Cup.” The game was dubbed a ‘mini-final’ by Addo before the game, and the Black Stars backed up the pre-game talk with a statement win.

Ghana have four games remaining in this stage of the qualifying campaign, and they are looking strong contenders to progress. with the five-point gap, while they are six points ahead of third placed Mali.

What Potter has said about Kudus

It’s no secret that West Ham haven’t got the best out of Kudus this season, and it’s all the more clear given his superb form last term. Potter has addressed the debate recently, saying: “We’re in a situation where we lost a centre forward and other forwards. We’re a bit light and we’ve had to adapt with Mo and Lucas Paquetá.

“Mo’s taken every challenge on in a good way. We’ve tried to use his physicality and it’s worked in some ways, but I think he can play in lots of positions. If we can get the balance right, he’s a top, top player.“

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