West Ham United's manager, David Moyes, is optimistic about the future role of summer signing Mohammed Kudus, who recently scored the equalizing goal in their 2-2 draw against Newcastle United in the Premier League.
The Hammers took the lead just eight minutes into the game with a Tomas Soucek tap-in. However, a rapid second-half brace from Alexander Isak turned the tide in favor of Newcastle. Yet, less than 15 minutes after coming on as a substitute, Kudus salvaged a point for West Ham with an 89th-minute equalizer.
Kudus celebrated his first Premier League goal since his £34 million transfer from Ajax in August. He has made five substitute appearances in the Premier League and is still awaiting his first start in the top flight. However, he has already started in both of the club's opening two Europa League group-stage games, scoring twice in a 3-1 win over Backa Topola last month.
Moyes has chosen to gradually integrate Kudus into his first-team plans, but he has confidence in the attacker's ability to play a significant role for the club in the future.
When asked if Kudus could now push for a starting spot following his Premier League goal, Moyes told BBC Sport: "He will be in the team for years to come, so we are not in a huge hurry. The team is getting good results, but he can play a big role in the future."
Kudus expressed his delight at scoring his first Premier League goal as a West Ham player, saying, "It feels very good, of course, to score, but most importantly, it made a difference in the team and earned us a point."
He also praised the club's fans for their unwavering support during the match.
West Ham United remains in seventh place in the Premier League table, one point ahead of eighth-placed Newcastle and three points behind fourth place. They will return to action after the international break with a match against Aston Villa on October 22.
