The Unsung Hero Growing In Stature Week By Week

Some of the fist pumps at the end of 96 minutes in West Ham’s 2-0 win at Newcastle were displays of relief, elation, contentment at a job well done – several players are shown celebrating in the tunnel – Tom Soucek, Cry Summerville and Carlos Soler all have the arm- pumping ‘come on – yess’ about them as well they should have.

However there’s a West Ham player who seems to be less about the limelight or public displays but who is just getting better and better each week. Coming with the reputation of a £40 million signing could be quite a weight but Max Kilman keeps putting on quality performances, looking solid in the air and dependable in the tackle.

It isn’t going unnoticed: Troy Deeney remarked on the bbcsport.com website  that “He [Max Kilman] is growing week by week. An absolute monster.” Amongst all of the stresses of the last few weeks, Kilman has remained focussed and unlike his defensive team-mates Jean Clair Todibo and Konstantinos Mavropanos, hasn’t put a foot wrong. From @westham_central came the stats to back up the eyes:

Max Kilman Statistics: V Newcastle United

• 96 Minutes Played
• Clean Sheet
• 9 Clearances
• 2 Blocks
• 1 Interception
• 0 Times Dribbled Past
• 53 Touches
• 32/35 Successful Passes (91%)
• 2 Accurate Long Balls (5) 1
• 00% Ground Duel Win Rate
• 50% Aerial Duel Win Rate
• 100% Dribble Success Rate

Fast becoming Lopetegui’s rock at the back, Kilman is now showing glimpses of carrying the ball out from the back too, as well as some pretty decent speed when needed. That £40 million looks more and more like money well spent: Lopetegui got his ‘pick’ with his former Wolves captain and although not a blood-and-guts-style leader on the pitch, more the silent assassin, the 27 year old centre back continues to impress.