Tottenham Hotspur’s marquee summer signing, Mohammed Kudus, received high praise from manager Thomas Frank following an assertive showing in Thursday’s 1-0 pre-season win over crosstown rivals Arsenal.
The tightly contested match, played at the Hong Kong Stadium, was decided by a remarkable long-range strike from midfielder Pape Matar Sarr, who capitalized on a rare lapse in Arsenal’s defensive positioning to score from just past midfield. But while Sarr’s goal secured the victory, it was Kudus’ overall performance that drew the spotlight.
Kudus, 24, joined Spurs earlier this month from West Ham United for a reported £55 million fee—setting a record as the most expensive Ghanaian footballer in history. On Thursday, he justified that price tag with a confident 63-minute display before being replaced by Brennan Johnson.
“I thought he was excellent today—his hold-up play, composure on the ball, and ability to navigate tight spaces stood out,” Frank said in post-match remarks. “His one-on-one skills and chance creation were top class. Beyond that, he put in a tremendous shift for the team.”
The Ghanaian international, previously of Dutch side Ajax and Danish club FC Nordsjaelland, is expected to add versatility and attacking depth to Tottenham’s forward line as they gear up for the new Premier League season. Known for his technical ability and work rate, Kudus is likely to be a key figure in Frank’s tactical plans.
Tottenham will next face Newcastle United on Sunday, followed by a pre-season finale against Bayern Munich, as the North London club rounds out its preparations for the 2025–26 campaign.
