“He was a joy to watch” – Ghana and West Ham star Kudus snubs Pele, Essien, names Okocha his favourite legend

The retired Super Eagles playmaker is regarded as one of the most gifted African footballers to have ever played the game

West Ham United's attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus has revealed his admiration for legendary Nigerian playmaker Austin Okocha, Soccernet.ng reports.

In a trending video on TikTok, Kudus was one of several West Ham stars asked to name a legend they would have loved to play with in their prime.

While others picked Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldinho Gaucho, among others, Kudus was enthusiastic and unequivocal about his choice: “Austin Okocha”.

Some of Kudus' compatriots would have expected the Ghana international to name any of the great players his country has produced, including one-time CAF Africa Player of the Year Abedi Pele or former Chelsea star Michael Essien, among others.

A tricky player and a good dribbler, Kudus could be forgiven for his choice of Okocha, as it speaks volumes of his own playing style and flair for skilful, entertaining footballers.

Leaving nothing to the imagination, the former Ajax Amsterdam forward was clear on why he would have loved to be teammates with the two-time BBC Africa Player of the Year.

https://www.tiktok.com/@jdfootball/video/7297314762080226593

“I like players who can entertain the fans with their skills,” Kudus explained. “Okocha was one of those players.

“He had unbelievable dribbling ability, could pass through the tightest spaces, and score amazing goals. He was a joy to watch.”

Okocha enjoyed a brilliant club career, winning trophies with Turkey's Fenerbahçe and France's Paris Saint-Germain before becoming one of Africa's first celebrated players in the English Premier League with Bolton Wanderers.

The legendary playmaker also achieved incredible success with Nigeria, winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 1994 and the continent's first football gold at the Olympic Games two years later.