West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui has commended Ghanaian forward Mohammed Kudus for his commitment and growing influence on the team after his crucial equalizer in the 1-1 draw against Brighton on Saturday.

Kudus, who has tallied three goals and two assists across 14 appearances this season, showcased his value once again by responding to Mats Wieffer’s 51st-minute opener to secure a vital point for the Hammers.

Speaking after the match, Lopetegui expressed satisfaction with the 23-year-old’s performance, highlighting not only his attacking contributions but also his dedication to improving defensively.

“I’m not only happy with his goal, but also with his commitment. He’s improving a lot in his defensive contribution, and that’s key for the team,” Lopetegui stated.

Despite being short of the 14-goal tally he achieved last season, Kudus remains a vital part of Lopetegui’s plans. The manager stressed the importance of hard work as the foundation for his continued development.

“The only way to achieve the level that he can achieve is to be focused on the hard work for the team,” Lopetegui added.

West Ham currently sits in 14th place in the Premier League standings, with five wins from 17 matches. Their next test will be a crucial clash against Southampton on Thursday, December 26.