I was quietly impressed with one Hammer yesterday. Amongst all the disappointment of a West Ham opening day loss, justifiable or otherwise criticism of squad selection, playing styles, substitutions: One player at least came out of this weekend’s season curtain raiser with significant credit.
Being the £40 million landmark signing of a new Head Coach’s reign brings a huge expectation and understandable scrutiny. Max Kilman dealt with both and came away from the loss against Villa with an enhanced reputation and indeed, filled me with optimism for his success at the club that I didn’t have during the pre-season friendly kickabouts.
In the first couple of warm up games Kilman looked nervous, a slip-up in the game against Crystal Palace contributing to one of the opposition goals cannot have helped. But yesterday – on his West Ham competitive debut, don’t forget, he looked competent, assured and a defensive signing we can build around. Adding Todibo and Wan-Bissaka to the mix in the coming weeks means West Ham will build on the foundation Kilman laid yesterday.
His stats speak for themselves, carrying the ball out of defence 5 times reminding me a little of Rio Ferdinand’s ball carrying. As an option Kilman still uses the long diagonal pass to move play forward. 7 Clearances, 2 blocks, 2 interceptions and 2 tackles may not sound like much but the late block to deny Villa was high quality defending.
We all talk of Jarrod Bowen as leading by example instead of by fist-pumping blood and guts, but in Kilman I think we have a defensive lieutenant whom Lopetegui sees as the keystone to success. Quietly, without fuss, his progress into wearing that £40 million mantle took a step forward yesterday. He actually seemed about three inches taller yesterday, as his stature and confidence grows I hope we will see him become a rock at the back to rely upon.
Adding the quality of Todibo to Kilman’s, a solution to our centre defense problems seems to be finally in place. They may need time to gain a perfect understanding, but the same may be true for the other newcomers to get up to speed. However for the team to reach its best performance level, past season’s players who will be part of the starting eleven, need to be at their best. Yesterday that didn’t seem to be the case with Paqueta, Bowen and Antonio for instance. In contrast, players that may not be seen as part of that starting eleven, like Soucek and Coufal did not quite underperform (with respect to their own best).
Soucek displayed his usual energy and Coufal did not stop running. Whoscored gave a 7.0 -West Ham’s figures- to Kudus and Soucek. With the big question mark on our midfield, one unknown so far is Irving and what he may be able to contribute (will he be given minutes to find out?).
Good to hear. I was asking on one of the earlier threads if Kilman has been showing any signs of justifying his 40 mil price tag.
Totally agree, Kilman next best after Kudus.
Let’s hope Tobido is as good.