The international break has been billed as a welcome gap for West Ham, given the onslaught of games in the Championship.
Yet one of the negatives of having on paper, the best squad in the Championship means key players are still representing their respective countries. And in the case of Dinos Mavropanos he is expected to play four games for Greece over the next few weeks!
Mavropanos has been named in Greece’s squad for four UEFA Nations League fixtures during the current international break. Greece are scheduled to face:
- Serbia (24 September)
- Germany (27 September)
- Netherlands (1 October)
- Germany (4 October)
The defender will be looking to add to his 42 senior international caps and is expected to be a regular starter given his importance to the national team.
While injuries and squad rotation can always affect selection, it would not be surprising to see Mavropanos feature in all four matches. Greece rely heavily on his physical presence, aerial ability and leadership at the back.
That is not a great thing for West Ham!
Mavropanos has made an impressive start to the 2026/27 campaign. He has scored four goals in his opening eight appearances of the season, finding the net against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Bolton Wanderers, Wrexham and Millwall. He has also registered an assist and helped the team keep clean sheets against Derby County and Wrexham.
His goals have highlighted a major strength of his game. Standing at 6ft 4in, Mavropanos is a huge threat from corners and set-pieces, turning defensive situations into attacking opportunities. Mavropanos offers something every successful team needs: reliability.
When West Ham have looked strongest defensively, the Greek international has been at the centre of it.
For West Ham, his return will be just as important. Whether it is winning headers, keeping clean sheets or popping up with crucial goals, Dinos Mavropanos has established himself as one of the club’s key players and it’s no surprise he won Hammer of the Year last season. As this season progresses, his performances will play a major role in determining just how successful West Ham’s campaign becomes.
Over the next few weeks, Nuno, myself and many West Ham supporters will be watching nervously from afar. The Hammers can only hope our Greek colossus comes through the demanding international schedule unscathed and ready for the challenges ahead!