Kudus is idolised in Ghana, was happy to kick Neymar and impressed Henry

Kudus has been attracting interest from Manchester United and Chelsea while Brighton are aiming to pull off a huge coup by trying to land his signature too.

The 22-year-old starred for Ajax last season, making himself known all over Europe for his electric performances in the Champions League.

He netted 18 goals and provided seven assists in all competitions for the Dutch side, proving himself to be a superb utility player, featuring as a centre midfielder, winger and striker.

Kudus has risen to the top of the European game at lightning speed, only playing for two professional teams in his club career so far.

The Ghana international began his playing days at the Right to Dream academy in his home country which helped to train local boys from a young age.

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He joined the academy, which was founded by former Manchester United scout Tom Vernon in 1999, at the age of 10 and spent eight years there.

When Kudus eventually left the academy, a director said: "He represents the next generation of top talent from Africa who really know their self-worth and they'll fight for it and stand for it."

He would leave to join Danish side Nordsjaelland in 2018 and made his debut for the club in August of that year.

The Ghanaian went on to make 51 appearances for the club, scoring 14 goals and proving that he is good enough for the highest level.

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And Ajax were the first to notice Kudus' potential, snapping him up for just £7.5million.

He had seven goal contributions in his first season before struggling in the next but it was last campaign that he really stepped up his game.

Four goals and two assists in six Champions League matches saw his stock rise rapidly, especially after his strike against Liverpool at Anfield in a 2-1 defeat.

Thierry Henry and Rio Ferdinand were in awe of Kudus' goal that equalised against the Premier League side.

Henry said: "He came from the Academy Right to Dream from Ghana and he is living the dream. Take a bow son, what a finish from Kudus!"

Before Ferdinand added: "What a devastating finish. No keeper in the world saves that."

His performances in the Champions League meant he was selected to play a key part in Ghana's World Cup campaign last year, where he netted twice.

And his talents on the big stage likely come from his incredible attitude which sees him have no care about who he comes up against.

Ghana assistant Mas-Ud Didi Dramani recalled Kudus' approach to a friendly against Brazil ahead of the tournament in Qatar last Christmas.

Dramani told ESPN: "Who would have expected that Kudus would have to meet a player like Neymar and not care?

"If he has to kick him, he kicks him. If he has to go past him, he goes past him.

"Playing against Brazil gives him something extra... Playing against Neymar, Casemiro and Vinicius Jr, he thinks: 'If they kick me, I am going to kick them without even thinking.'"

Kudus is now playing against these types of players regularly and his incredible five-year rise has seen him become a legend in the eyes of his supporters at home in Ghana.

Former Black Stars midfielder Derek Boateng told Sky Sports: "Kudus is massive here,"

"Every time he is playing, it does not matter whether it is the Champions League or a friendly match, you will see all the kids get up and watch Kudus. Just Kudus.

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"They just want him to score. When he scores, everyone is all over the place."

After his amazing journey from academy football in Ghana, if he does get the move to one of the Premier League's big boys this summer, he has definitely earned the Right to Dream.