AS Dinos Mavropanos stepped into his ‘Superman’ suit again last weekend and performed heroics at both ends of the pitch, it seems West Ham’s less high-profile players are finally getting the recognition for their work ethic which has contributed so much towards the Hammers climbing out of the relegation zone for the first time since November.
Rising to the challenge to meet the higher standards of play exhibited by his centre back team mate Axel Disasi, the Greek has scored three vital goals in quick succession to add to his blood-and-guts-style defending that has seen him bruised and battered several times for both club and country this year.
Mavropanos, amongst many West Ham players has taken ‘commitment’ to another level.
Mavropanos – taking hits for the West Ham cause
And the contribution of these Hammers’ warriors has drawn praise from former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood who, bemoaning Spurs’ lack of intensity, praised the ‘do or die’ defending of fellow Hammer Tomas Soucek live on Sky:
“Soucek – just puts his body on the line. Everything he heads out of the box: I’ve never seen him without a black eye. He’s willing to put his body on the line for the badge, for the shirt.
I’m not sure that Tottenham have got them characters, them players. They might not be the most sophisticated, technical players but – who wants to grind, who wants to fight: If the fans were playing, they’d play just like Tomas Soucek.
That is what you need, players like that”
Soucek – permanently Bruised and battered- Sherwood bemoans lack of similar commitment in. Spurs’ camp
Finally it seems, Soucek gets the recognition that years of maximum commitment to the Hammers cause deserves. As Mavropanos develops into the same committed, do or die defender, West Ham have a spine again and a chance to overturn the dreadful limp lettuce season start made under Graham Potter.
Limp lettuce start. Very apt description of our team under the delicate approach of Graham Potter.
Keep them coming, Martin.
Also hits long passes but not quite as good yet, as Ginger Pele. Plays the way of James Collins though, impacting a match in both penalty boxes in the same way.
Yep, ‘limp lettuce’ is a fitting description.
Dinos has a 100 percent pedigree of trying his best whenever he’s pulled on the Claret & Hugh. If now he is being applauded for his commitment, he gave that same commitment in the match that he scored at the wrong end. Now we have 3 class acts in central defence and form that lifts the players staff & fans. Nuno said it we must keep working get better there is no time to think the job done.
If all players show souceks commitment we,LL stay up.