Mohammed Kudus made his first start for Tottenham Hotspur under head coach Roberto De Zerbi as Spurs were beaten 3-1 by Liverpool in the Carabao Cup at Anfield on Tuesday night.
The Ghana international was named in the starting line-up after De Zerbi had indicated before the match that Kudus was ready to play from the outset.
It was Kudus’ first start for Tottenham since January, but the forward was unable to make a decisive impact as Liverpool secured victory.
Kudus played for 75 minutes before being substituted for Svio, bringing an end to an evening in which Tottenham found it difficult to impose themselves against their opponents.
The 26-year-old had three attempts at goal during his time on the pitch, with one of those efforts on target. He also recorded four touches inside Liverpool’s penalty area.
However, Kudus struggled to make his usual impact when taking on defenders. He completed just one of four attempted dribbles and was dispossessed on eight occasions.
His passing figures were more encouraging, with Kudus completing 15 of his 20 passes for an accuracy rate of 75%. He was less successful in his individual battles, winning only two of the seven duels he contested.
Kudus also had an opportunity to get on the scoresheet but was unable to convert a big chance. His expected goals figure was recorded at 0.58, although he finished the game without a goal.
Match statistics provided by Flashscore.com gave Kudus a rating of 5.7 for his performance.
The appearance nevertheless represented an important opportunity for Kudus, who had not started for Tottenham since January. His inclusion from the beginning came after De Zerbi suggested that the Ghana forward was ready to take on a more prominent role.
Tottenham’s defeat means their attention now switches to their next fixture against Aston Villa.
Kudus will be hoping to remain in De Zerbi’s starting side for that match and use the opportunity to respond with a stronger display.
His first start under De Zerbi ultimately ended without a goal or a major contribution as Tottenham were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Liverpool, but the forward now has another chance to make an impression in the club’s next fixture.
