Champions League: Mohammed Kudus Says Lionel Messi, Not Ronaldo, Is His First Thought
· YEN.com.gh News · Join- Mohammed Kudus has sparked debate after picking Lionel Messi over Cristiano Ronaldo in a bold UEFA Champions League statement
- The 25-year-old made the choice as he gears up for Tottenham’s Champions League opener against Thomas Partey’s Villarreal
- His preference for Messi, however, didn’t sit well with many fans, who criticised him for snubbing CR7
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Mohammed Kudus has once again made it clear where his admiration lies in football’s greatest rivalry.
Asked to share his thoughts ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s UEFA Champions League opener against Villarreal, the Ghanaian playmaker did not hesitate.
Source: Getty Images
Kudus picks Messi over Ronaldo in Champions League statement
When quizzed on the first name that comes to mind at the mention of Europe’s biggest club competition, Kudus instantly chose Lionel Messi.
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The 25-year-old, who has long leaned toward the Argentine maestro in the Messi versus Cristiano Ronaldo debate, reaffirmed his stance with conviction.
“Messi,” Kudus responded without a flicker of doubt. His teammate Destiny Udogie also picked the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, although the majority of Spurs players sided with Ronaldo, Messi’s eternal rival.
Watch as Kudus picked Messi over Ronaldo again:
Not everyone agreed with Kudus’ take, as many fans hit back at the Black Stars player for choosing Messi over Ronaldo. YEN.com.gh gathered a few reactions from X (formerly Twitter):
@Czar_Myles quipped:
“How can you mention Messi when it comes to UCL? How many he win sef 🤦🏽?”
@KOBBYCODED3 jokingly wrote:
“Kudus de3 jimiiii naaa why Messi?”
@nanayaw0007 was unimpressed with Kudus’ stance:
“Make he commot der which ball kraa he Dey play for gh here, you see Mr Champion League for der Dey mentioned Messi gyimi he should learn from his team mates.”
@bra_mowerz summed it all up:
“He’s not serious then. Everything about Champions League is Ronaldo.”
Kudus’ admiration for Messi is nothing new. Over the years, he has repeatedly described the Argentine as the greatest player in history and even revealed that he models aspects of his own game after the football icon.
Kudus eyes strong Champions League return with Tottenham
If selected, Tuesday’s clash against Villarreal will mark Kudus’ first Champions League appearance in three seasons.
His introduction to the competition came in 2020 with Ajax in a group stage encounter against Liverpool, per Footy Ghana.
That debut ended prematurely with a meniscus injury, yet he has since built a respectable record of four goals and two assists in nine matches, per Transfermarkt.
Source: Getty Images
Now wearing Tottenham’s colours following a £55 million move from West Ham, Kudus is eager to make an impression on Europe’s grand stage.
Although he is yet to score for Spurs, his two assists in as many league games have already established him as a lively presence on the right flank and a favourite among supporters.
The Ghanaian star will share the spotlight with his compatriot Thomas Partey, who lines up for Villarreal.
Beyond them, five other Ghanaians are set to feature in this season’s Champions League.
Check the list of Ghanaian players in the 205/26 UCL:
Kamaldeen Sulemana will turn out for Atalanta, while Inaki Williams represents Athletic Club.
Defender Mohammed Salisu joins AS Monaco’s campaign, Emmanuel Addai features for Qarabag, and Mohammed Gadafi Fuseini plays for Union Saint-Gilloise.
For Kudus, the stage is set. A reunion with the Champions League and a chance to make his mark in a Spurs shirt could prove the perfect platform to begin his European story all over again.
Kudus tipped for stardom
Earlier, YEN.com.gh highlighted that Mohammed Kudus has been tipped for stardom, with Tottenham Hotspur’s chief affirming that the Ghanaian midfielder has all the attributes to succeed.
Kudus has enjoyed a bright start to life in North London after sealing his summer switch to Spurs.
Source: YEN.com.gh