Wayne Rooney claims 'top' Tottenham star is ready to become Thomas Frank's main man

Mohammed Kudus is ready to take “the next step” after finally opening his Tottenham account, Wayne Rooney has claimed. The Ghanaian, who arrived from London rivals West Ham in the summer, finally scored his first goal for his new side on Saturday.

His deflected second-half effort helped Thomas Frank’s side see off newly-promoted Leeds United at Elland Road. Kudus had already shone for Spurs with five assists for his new employers this term.

But having now got off the mark, Rooney has backed Kudus to get even better. Speaking on Match of the Day, the former Manchester United star said: “I think he’s been a breath of fresh air, you look at the stats from the game, he’s first in everything, duels won, successful dribbles, shots, touches in the opposition box, sprints and he’s had a real impact for Tottenham this season.

“He’s got four assists this season, joint first in the Premier League; he’s by far had the most successful dribbles in the league. So, all that was missing was the goal. I think that goal today will push him on that next step. He’s been a real top signing.”

Alan Shearer was also full of praise for Kudus in his assessment. He added: “Kudus gets his goal, he’s made a great start to his Spurs career, and he deserved this goal because he’s been Spurs’ best player this season.”

Having now seen his new-look attack pay dividends in Yorkshire, Spurs boss Thomas Frank hailed both Kudus and fellow summer arrival Xavi Simons, albeit still found time to tease his forward.

Speaking after the win, Frank said: "I think it looked promising today at times. I liked Xavi as a ten. I think that was his best game for us. There's still more to come, but I think he had some really good actions in there.

“Mo again getting his goal, which I'm pleased with. It was about time he scored that goal. But no, I'm so pleased for him. So you just see he looked a little bit more fluid.”

Spurs players will now head off on international duty having secured themselves a place in the Champions League spots ahead of the break.

Kudus will hope to be in action for Ghana as they attempt to seal a spot at next summer’s World Cup.

Ghana currently sit top of their qualifying group ahead of matches against the Central African Republic and Comoros over the next fortnight.

Tottenham’s next Premier League game pits them against Aston Villa in North London in two weeks’ time.

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