Julen Lopetegui says doubling down on defensive work is key to unlocking Mohammed Kudus' best form.
West Ham winger Kudus scored his first goal since mid-October against Brighton last weekend after serving a five-match suspension for misconduct following a red card away to Tottenham.
Despite that absence, the Ghanaian travels to Southampton this afternoon having completed more successful dribbles (42) than any other player in the top flight. the past few weeks.
He has provided West Ham with a much-needed attacking option during a difficult start to the season, putting immediate pressure on Lopetegui. Yet the head coach is calling on Kudus, who would cost £85million, to put even more emphasis on his work off the ball.
“I think any attacking player is much better when his focus is on his defensive work,” Lopetegui said. “It always happens: if you are focused on your defensive work, your attacking performance will normally be better, because football is about always being focused and a collective game.
“I think he did that, but it was a shame he was out for five games and it's not easy to get the rhythm back in the Premier League.
“We are happy with him, but we are happy because I think this is the only way and he must understand that football is a collective game, despite the fact that each player has his strengths and his way of understanding football.
“He is doing well and he is helping the team. If you do that, all the other players will show that they are better. This is the only way I understand football, it is a collective game and on each of the players they have to to do their best for the team.”
Lucas Paqueta has been suspended for the visit to St Mary's, which will put extra pressure on Carlos Soler.
The Spanish midfielder has grown in stature over the past month and will be back in the starting line-up after a one-match suspension against Brighton.
And Lopetegui added: “At first he struggled with the Premier League adjustments, like many players. Carlos has improved step by step and now I think he is ready to help us for the rest of the season.”
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