Tottenham’s Premier League showdown against Arsenal will see many key battles emerge on the pitch, with one player holding the key to victory.
Spurs’ 2-2 draw against Manchester United saw them enter the international break in fifth position, only a point behind fourth-place Sunderland and eight adrift of leaders Arsenal.
When Tottenham travel to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday (November 23), Thomas Frank will be aiming to secure just his second victory in 10 attempts against Mikel Arteta and reduce the deficit in the table to just five points.
To achieve all three points against their North London rivals, every single player will need to perform at the highest level, including powerful winger Mohammed Kudus.
Mohammed Kudus beating Lamine Yamal for most dribbles completed
When Spurs signed Kudus from West Ham in the summer, the Ghanaian was brought to the club to produce magic, something supporters have witnessed.
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The 25-year-old has one goal and four assists in 10 league appearances this term, with Frank describing Kudus as ‘explosive’.
Impressively, the former Ajax man has completed the most successful dribbles of any player across Europe, even surpassing Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal.
Kudus is exemplary at taking the ball under pressure and driving past defenders and he’s supplied an extra dimension to the Tottenham attack.
Kudus vs Riccardo Calafiori
Frank will need Kudus’ ball-carrying expertise when his side face Arsenal this weekend, potentially creating a fascinating match-up between him and Riccardo Calafiori.
The Italian is part of arguably the best defence in Europe, with the Gunners only shipping five goals across 11 league matches.
Forming an incredible back line with Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba and Jurrien Timber, Calafiori has flourished as a left-back by combining his height, strength and defensive prowess.
But whilst he’s difficult to beat in one-on-one situations, Kudus will fancy himself against the 23-year-old when Spurs spring on the counterattack.
Kudus has given many full-backs a nightmare time this term, and if he can add Calafiori to his list of victims, Tottenham have a chance of upsetting the odds.