New West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui is poised to shake things up, and the central defence is a prime target for change. Konstantinos Mavropanos, a recent arrival, might be surprisingly caught in the crossfire.
West Ham’s leaky defense under David Moyes was a major concern. Only three Premier League teams conceded more goals. Mavropanos, despite limited starts (16), shared the blame.
However, a strong performance against Manchester City offered a glimpse of what Mavropanos can do. He dominated statistically, winning all his tackles and aerial duels against a world-class attack.
Despite this impressive showing, Calcio Mercato have suggested that Mavropanos is reportedly considering an exit after just one season. With fellow defender Nayef Aguerd also likely to depart, West Ham could be left desperately thin at centre-back.
Kurt Zouma, another central defender, has faced criticism for his passing throughout the season. This doesn’t bode well for Lopetegui’s likely emphasis on a possession-based style.
Mavropanos’ passing stats are far superior to Zouma’s, making him a better fit for Lopetegui’s system. His impressive performance against City further strengthens his case.
Lopetegui faces a crucial decision. Can he convince a potentially unsettled Mavropanos to stay and become a key player in the new West Ham? Or will the Hammers be forced into the transfer market for defensive reinforcements?
Mavropanos’ future at West Ham is a microcosm of the club’s current situation. Lopetegui’s ability to address defensive issues and potentially unlock Mavropanos’ talent will be a major factor in the team’s success next season.
Good stopper, great in the tackle and block, dominant in the air but poor with the ball at his feet. Definitely one to keep though for his defensive attributes aslong as he passes the easy ball to the technical players!
Mav is a good CB with all the attributes to be even better in a different formation and tactics, like so many of our players last season he looked bored and irritated by our constant tactic of playing deep and inviting pressure which didn’t allow him to show his passing ability
The choice is obvious. Mav will improve and Zouma will not.
More important is the need to replace our aging and ineffectual Cresswell.
If I could keep only one centre back it would be Mavropanos.