Understandably, most of the reaction to West Ham’s friendly win against Dagenham and Redbridge centred around new cult hero Andy Irving. Swerving Irving, aka the Inverness Iniesta, scored an absolute peach of a goal to secure the Hammers a 1-0 victory and, perhaps more pleasingly, appeared very comfortable in possession.
However, it was the performance of a more illustrious big-name signing which probably pleased me the most. £40m Max Kilman looks to be perfectly suited for the way his former Wolves coach, Julen Lopetegui, wants to play at West Ham.
As I watched the central defender in possession, displaying snappy short-range passing as well as long, raking missiles, I couldn’t help but think that this was the type of football the Hammers had purchased Nayef Aguerd to provide.
Clearly, I’m mindful not to read too much into a friendly match, but there are certainly signs and indications of how West Ham’s new head coach wishes to play, and Kilman is a vital part. It’s evident the central defender will need a dance partner, which is why West Ham are working so hard to bring in a right-sided centre back.
However, early impressions are good, and I’m now starting to see why Lopetegui pushed so hard to sign Kilman.
Yes! I see him yesterday, he’s a big ole lump so was great in the air too. I was most impressed! ⚒️⚒️⚒️