Graham Potter seemingly started his West Ham side in a 3-5-2 against Liverpool – it felt as if Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen were playing as duo at times.
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Of course, that shape enabled Oliver Scarles to continue at left wing-back, a 19-year-old with a ton of potential.
Jamie Carragher gave his Scarles verdict after watching the youngster against Mohamed Salah, and although he didn’t have it easy by any means, it’s certainly an experience the academy graduate will learn from.
Although, at least in the eyes of Liverpool manager Arne Slot, there were two ‘incredible’ West Ham performers at Anfield, despite Potter’s side losing.
Arne Slot impressed by Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Paqueta
Speaking to Sky Sports after Liverpool’s win, which no doubt put the Dutchman in better mood, Slot praised both Lucas Paqueta and Kudus when briefly mentioning West Ham’s efforts.
The Liverpool manager said that his side needed to rely on Alisson in goal because of the duo’s excellence throughout the game, two ‘incredible’ performances.
Speaking about the game itself at first, Slot said: “We don’t win games the easy way. The easy way is taking control of the ball, pass it around five times and we have a goal and the next goal and the next goal.
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“If we achieve something this year, it’s mainly to do with the mentality the players have shown. That’s what you saw today as well.
“Very difficult second half, we needed Alisson because Paqueta and Kudus were incredible the whole game.
“And then we conceded the 1-1, with an own goal. How much more disappointment can you get after what happened last week?
“Getting the goal with Virgil shows you how much mentality these boys have. It’s not only us. I saw the result when I came in, Chelsea vs Ipswich, 2-2.
“There’s no-one who wins a game of football that easily and because this league is so strong now, you have to put so much effort to bring your wins over the line.”
Could Liverpool reignite their interest in Mohammed Kudus?
Of course, Slot’s Kudus praise is particularly interesting given all of the noise surrounding the Ghanaian’s future right now.
Kudus has been linked with the Saudi Pro League and perhaps West Ham would cash-in for the right price.
Liverpool might move for Kudus even with the news that Mohamed Salah will be staying – the likes of Federico Chiesa could be leaving Anfield themselves.
And it will be a difficult decision for Potter and the club’s board should the right bid come in – would they risk losing such a talented player to reinvest funds in other areas?
A fascinating talent and one who almost inspired a surprise result for West Ham at Anfield.
