Premier League Bound: Unveiling Mohammed Kudus' Phenomenal Rise through Accelerated Learning

Mohammed Kudus, at the age of 23, became the youngest West Ham player to debut at Kenilworth Road. Among the 14 players selected by David Moyes at Luton, he had a significant age advantage of almost three years over the next youngest player. Despite his young age, Kudus should not be considered solely as a project signing worth £38m. While he is indeed a long-term investment, he is already capable of making a significant impact on the team.

He has accomplished a lot since he arrived in Europe at the age of 17. West Ham fans will recall his World Cup goals, but it has been two years since he achieved a double victory with Ajax and five years since his debut for Danish club FC Nordsjaelland. Despite everything, he has consistently provided entertainment.

Former Nordsjaelland boss Flemming Pedersen describes Kudus as a player who aims to entertain the crowd and showcase his unique abilities. He is skilled both technically and physically, which makes him stand out. Unlike most skilled dribblers, Kudus has a solid build that allows him to dominate in midfield and effortlessly maneuver past opponents with the agility of a winger.

It is unusual to witness a player maintaining their balance in one-on-one battles despite having a remarkably low center of gravity. At times, it seems inevitable that they will lose their footing, only for them to miraculously recover just half a meter above the ground and continue their agile dribbling through opponents.

As expected, he was greatly admired at FC Nordsjaelland, and the same sentiment held true during his stint in Amsterdam. What may come as a surprise is that even supporters of the opposing teams shared this viewpoint, according to his former coach. Over the years, West Ham has had a few players similar to him.

"Even fans from other clubs in Denmark adored watching him," Pedersen chuckles. Kudus exudes a quiet confidence. Pedersen once inquired if he was aware that he was the top player in the competition. With a smile, Kudus affirmed his realization.

"He is incredibly humble," Pedersen insists. "Yet, he possesses a great sense of humor. You have to understand his mindset. He won't come to you, so it's crucial for the coaching staff to truly understand him. Just give him the opportunity to open up because he has an abundance to offer."

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Mohammed Kudus started his venture at the Right to Dream Academy in Ghana. In a similar vein, Pedersen compares him to Michael Essien, a fellow Ghanaian who currently serves as part of the coaching staff at Nordsjaelland. Essien joined the Premier League at the age of 22 and quickly established himself as a valuable member of Chelsea's championship-winning squad.

Pedersen believes that Kudus has the potential to adapt due to his experience at Ajax for three years, during which he showcased his abilities by scoring goals against formidable opponents like Liverpool and Napoli in the Champions League. Moreover, Kudus owes his smooth transition to the European game not only to his background at the Right to Dream academy in Ghana but also to the comprehensive education they provide for their players. Additionally, the academy's acquisition of Nordsjaelland has further facilitated this purposeful transition.

Part of the model involves selling the upcoming stars of the next game, and Kudus was one of the pioneers in taking this approach. They understood that there was a demand for young talent, but specifically for those who possessed the tactical skills necessary to excel in the challenging European competitions.

This process is referred to as accelerated learning.

"How do you effectively coach players to embrace risk and create a safe environment?" asks Pedersen. "This aspect is crucial, especially when working with young players. We refer to it as accelerated learning because it entails playing at a level beyond one's age, such as a 20-year-old playing like a seasoned 27-year-old."

"It consists of multiple components," he clarifies.

"The initial component involves providing them with a distinct style of gameplay characterized by explicit principles, ensuring that they do not become bewildered by the intricate nature of the game. We simplify the player's choices within the game, reducing them from ten possibilities to just five."

Speed and accuracy are crucial in high-level performance, benefiting decision-making and increasing the likelihood of success. Contrary to the belief that limiting options restricts creativity, Pedersen asserts that it actually helps it thrive.

"By reducing the number of choices, players are provided with a structure that is not excessively rigid. Within this framework, they are able to unleash their creativity. For instance, by having a few plans in mind before receiving the ball, players are empowered to make innovative decisions with greater energy."

The successful journey of players from the Right to Dream academy, progressing through the Nordsjaelland system and eventually advancing to higher levels, indicates the effectiveness of this model. While Kudus paved the way, many others have followed suit.

Kamaldeen Sulemana and Simon Adingra both made their Premier League debuts prior to Kudus, with the latter even scoring a goal on the season's opening weekend. Additionally, Ernest Nuamah, 19, recently joined Lyon in a record-breaking sale from Nordsjaelland, embarking on his own unique journey.

"According to Pedersen, players should not be treated as bricks to be rigidly positioned, but rather as human beings with their own thoughts and ideas. In order to effectively synchronize their thinking with our style of play, it is essential to delve into their mindset and truly comprehend their perspectives."

It will be intriguing to witness David Moyes' strategy in utilizing Kudus.

With his education, there are various possibilities. Pedersen states, "Being in a team sport entails a structured framework, yet depending on the playing style and the coach's requirements, he can adapt to multiple positions and collaborate effectively with his teammates."

At FC Nordsjaelland, we deployed him as a versatile central midfielder, seamlessly transitioning from one end to the other. Additionally, we utilized his skills as an attacking midfielder and even experimented with him in the role of a false number nine. Nevertheless, I believe his optimal position at West Ham, particularly in the initial stages, would be slightly towards the right.

Moreover, Pedersen suggests employing him in the right half-space rather than solely occupying the wing. It is not intended for him to play strictly as a right-winger, although he possesses the ability to move towards the outskirts. Instead, the idea is for him to operate within that right half-space, while benefiting from the presence of an adept offensive full-back alongside him, thereby enhancing the team's attacking depth.

There is no doubt in his mind that Kudus possesses both the talent and mindset to excel. Despite being relatively young at West Ham, he is not inexperienced. Pedersen further emphasizes, "He spent two years in Denmark and three years at the top club in Holland, where winning is always the expectation."

"He is fully prepared for the challenges of the Premier League."