Tottenham's Kudus surpasses Mbappé and Yamal

Tottenham’s Kudus surpasses Mbappé and Yamal

By Martin Graham

Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe could also be dazzling audiences in Spain, however it’s England the place Europe’s most prolific dribbler at present performs. Barcelona’s teenage sensation Yamal ranks fourth for profitable take-ons throughout Europe’s prime 5 divisions, having accomplished 21 to this point. Simply forward of him is Actual Sociedad’s Ander Barrenetxea with 22, whereas Mbappe sits in second place on 30.

All three path behind Tottenham Hotspur’s summer season recruit Mohammed Kudus. Evaluation by Adrian Clarke has highlighted that the Ghanaian winger has recorded 30 profitable dribbles this season—greater than anybody else within the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, or Ligue 1. Primarily attacking from Spurs’ proper facet since his transfer from West Ham, Kudus has opened a big hole domestically, with Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh his closest challenger on 19.

A confirmed specialist in beating defenders

Kudus’ skill to glide previous opponents is not any sudden breakthrough. His knack for unsettling backlines emerged early at Nordsjaelland, the place he featured in a fluid attacking system, usually in central roles. His repute grew additional at Ajax, the place he topped the Eredivisie charts for dribbles in 2022–23.

After transferring to West Ham, he maintained that degree by ending as Europe’s main dribbler in 2023–24. Final season, he ranked second within the Premier League behind Jeremy Doku, although each trailed Yamal’s outstanding numbers in Spain.

Extra than simply aptitude

Kudus’ contribution at Tottenham has prolonged past particular person talent. Solely Jack Grealish of Everton has been concerned in additional goal-creating actions this season. Kudus has 5 such actions, matching Riccardo Calafiori, Antoine Semenyo, and teammate Pape Matar Sarr.

He additionally sits joint-top of the Premier League help standings with Grealish, each having offered 4. As well as, Kudus leads the league in crosses tried, with Spurs full-back Pedro Porro second in that metric.

Whereas Mbappe’s 9 La Liga objectives and Yamal’s superior help price underline their very own strengths, Kudus has made a right away affect at his new membership. Clarke notes that head coach Thomas Frank has inspired him to play with freedom, and his assured, entertaining shows have shortly caught the attention.