From the streets of Ghana to the grand stages of European football, Mohammed Kudus and Kamaldeen Sulemana have shared a journey shaped by talent, friendship, and a deep understanding of the game.

In a recent interview with Perspectives [Rising Ballers], Kudus, now starring for West Ham United, named Kamaldeen as the best player he has ever played alongside. Their bond traces back to the famed Right to Dream academy, continuing through their time in Denmark and onto the global stage with the Black Stars.

“I’ll go with Kamaldeen of Southampton because I have known him since he was young. We played in the same academy in Ghana and in Denmark as well. He’s the best player I’ve played with. I think he has everything a winger needs to succeed,” Kudus revealed.

Though the West Ham playmaker has shared the pitch with some of football’s biggest names, his admiration for Kamaldeen remains unwavering.

On the flip side, when asked about the toughest opponent he has faced, Kudus didn’t hesitate: “Thiago Alcantara, when he was at Liverpool. Growing up, I loved watching him play. He entertained the game, and playing against him at Anfield, he was untouchable. I was a fan on the pitch but still had to do my job.”

As Kudus prepares for West Ham’s upcoming clash against struggling Leicester, he will be eager to score his first goal of the year—perhaps with the same flair and brilliance that once united him with Kamaldeen.