West Ham star tips Mohammed Kudus for African Player of the Year award

• West Ham United striker Michail Antonio is backing Mohammed Kudus to win the African Player of the Year award
• The Black Stars midfielder failed to make the final 10-man shortlist for the 2024 award despite his form at West Ham
• Antonio remains positive about Kudus’ future in the sport after a dazzling first season in London

West Ham United’s Jamaican striker Michail Antonio believes teammate Mohammed Kudus has the potential to win the coveted African Player of the Year award.

Kudus enjoyed an excellent first season in England, scoring fourteen goals and providing six assists for the Hammers. He played a crucial role as the Hammers reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League, where they were knocked out by runners-up Bayer Leverkusen.

The 24-year-old is currently the best dribbler in the league Europewith 111 successful acquisitions by 2024.

However, a red card against Tottenham Hotspurs and poor form at the Black stars has halted his sensational year.

Despite being dropped from the final 10-man shortlist for the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award, Antonio insists he has what it takes to win the crown.

“With Mo’s (Mohammed Kudus) talent there is a 100% chance that he can win (African Footballer of the Year),” Antonio said in an interview with Joy sport.

“Clearly there are some big opportunities. There is (Pierre) Aubameyang, there is Mo Salah, there is (Sadio) Mane, and there is certainly Kudus, but I believe he has the talent to do it,” he added.

“It’s just that he needs the environment of his team to help him do that and right now Ghana doesn’t have that quality.

“Ghana has a quality heritage and quality history, but right now they are not doing as well as they should be doing.”

Kudos for returning in December

Kudus will be back in action Westham United in December after being handed a five-match ban for his red card against Spurs.

The Ghanaian international was found guilty of inappropriate conduct and violent conduct, reports said The mirror.

Kudus, who has already served three of his five-match suspensions, has also been fined £60,000.

Antonio supports Kudus to bounce back

Previously, Yen.com.gh reported that Mikhail Antonio supports his West Ham United teammate Mohammed Kudus to come back stronger from his five-match suspension.

The Ghanaian international was handed an additional two-match ban and a £60,000 fine following his straight red card in the match against Tottenham Hot tracks.

Kudus previously served a three-match ban before the latest penalty was lifted by the English Football Association.

Source: YEN.com.gh