Ghana’s Mohammed Kudus really caught the eye today in the nation’s first World Cup game against Ghana – and Wolves officials may have liked what they saw.
The attacking midfielder started in a three-man midfield against Portugal’s star-studded lineup, which included the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes.
Portugal had most of the ball, and had trouble breaking down the Black Stars in the first-half at Stadium 974.
Many people tuned into the game to see if Ronaldo would be able to get on the scoresheet following his explosive interview last week.
And the 37-year-old did not disappoint, winning and then scoring a penalty midway through the second-half.
He will likely be in all the headlines tomorrow morning for his goal.
But hopefully those reports also include a word for Ghana’s Kudus, who was very much a shining light for the losing side.
Kudus, had a bit of an untidy start to the game, but settled down and had some electric moments.
A couple of times he received the ball on the half-turn and accelerated away from Wolves’ very own Ruben Neves.
In the 54th minute, he raced away from Neves in his own half and then made his way to the edge of the Portugal box before firing just wide.
It prompted Ally McCoist to say (ITV Football): “That’s it! It’s not difficult. Get yourself in those forward areas. He’s been sitting in that midfield three and for me he’s wasted.
“I said before the game, I like him. He’s got something. Absolutely. Particularly, a lovely left foot.”
Later in the game though, Kudus came in clutch for Ghana, providing a lovely cross for Andre Ayew to equalise.
He used his pace to get into a good position down the left of the penalty area.
Sadly for Ghana, Joao Felix and Rafael Leao then ended their hopes of a result. Osman Bakari did score late on, but it proved to be nothing more than a consolation in the end.
The game finished 3-2 to Fernando Santos’ side.
Wolves need to watch Mohammed Kudus very closely now, he’s already been linked
It was a really lively display from Kudus.
He is clearly still quite raw, but he undoubtedly has something about him as McCoist said in-game.
He’s quick and direct, and would surely cause real problems for Premier League defenders.
Wolves were linked with a move for Kudus a few weeks ago (Football Ghana), and club officials should now be keeping a close eye on him.
Adama Traore is expected to leave Molineux next summer. If that does happen, Wanderers will be losing an electric player with a lot of flair.
But the club might find someone with those traits in Kudus, even though he’s not necessarily the same position as Adama.