Thilo Kehrer became the first Hammer to leave Qatar .
To be knocked out at this stage was a massive shock to the Hammers defender who believed his country was set to do well when speaking ahead of the tournament.
But although they won their final Group E match 4-2 against Costa Rica on Thursday night, having gone 2-1 down for three minutes during the second half, Germany exited the competition at the group stage for the second consecutive World Cup, with Japan’s 2-1 win ensuring that Germany bowed out on goal difference.
Kehrer – who has not had the greatest start to his Hammers career – had appeared in 13 of Germany’s 16 matches prior to the World Cup.
Despite that he was not used to any great extent in Qatar playing just 70 minutes at the tournament.
Kehrer is getting a bad press. Twice in the league playing at right back he has stood at the far post as a ball passed over his head and the opposition behind him scored a simple goal.
But surely, he is not a defender? Not tall enough? Not aware of attacker’s positions around him?
BUT, he has skill on the ball, vision and can make accurate passes. Plus he can tackle players coming at him. He reminds me of Youri Tielemans. Play Kehrer in the same position as Tielemans – in front of our defence mopping up and moving the ball at speed to our attackers? I think he will then shine.
I think you might be right Cran, he isn’t tall enough for CB and hasn’t excelled at RB. He’d probably perform better alongside Rice although Soucek has improved slightly. I also think Downes should be given more game time- maybe in FA Cup or ECL to start with in a 2 DM set up not with 3.