Kudus backs himself to flourish under Lopetegui at West Ham

West Ham attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus is confident he will continue to develop under new manager Julen Lopetegui.

The Ghanaian international enters his second season with the Hammers following a breakout debut campaign after joining from Dutch giants Ajax on a five-year contract for an undisclosed fee, which was reported to be €44.5m (£38m) plus add-ons.

Despite the change in leadership with David Moyes’ departure, Kudus believes Lopetegui’s style aligns perfectly with his playing preferences.

“His [Lopetegui’s] style is how I want to play, how I want to attack as a winger and there is a lot of freedom, which allows me to do that,” Kudus told whufc.com. “That is the most important thing for me – that I’m allowed to play how I want.”

The 23-year-old impressed last season, contributing 14 goals and six assists in 45 appearances across all competitions. He is eager to adapt to Lopetegui’s tactics while working towards the club’s collective goals.

“He has different tactics and a different style, but we are all working together to push the club to the level where we want it to be,” Kudus concluded.

The forward, who has been linked with a move away from the club this summer, has an £85million release clause.