Not many would have imagined Konstantinos Mavropanos being the most important member of West Ham’s defence when the season began.
Nayef Aguerd had just been recalled from a successful loan at Real Sociedad, and Graham Potter had indicated the Moroccan would be a mainstay of the team.
Jean-Clair Todibo had completed a tricky first season as a Hammer, but the club had just paid £35 million to make the former Barcelona player a permanent signing. Add to that West Ham’s record £40 million centre-back Max Kilman, and there appeared to be little opportunity for “Dinos”, who was effectively seen as backup.
But there were winds of change stirring in East London that hinted at a switch before the new Irons boss rocked up in Stratford. Because even before Potter lost his job at the London Stadium, Todibo had been dropped from the first team, and Mavropanos began to get regular game time.
From Backup to Key Man
If we’re honest, the big Greek defender can be a little cumbersome and is prone to the odd error, so it was difficult to see him ever becoming West Ham’s best centre-half. Yet that is precisely what is happening under Nuno Espirito Santo and his brand of no-nonsense defending.
Dinos was the Hammers’ best player in the defeat to Arsenal, and the statistics backed that up. He managed to get his head on just about everything and led the numbers for blocks, tackles and interceptions.
The transformation has been so stark that it’s highly likely Espirito Santo now views the 27-year-old as undroppable — quite a turnaround.
January is expected to bring activity for West Ham, with a striker and central defender likely to be on Nuno’s wishlist. But if Mavropanos continues as he’s begun, it may be a case of signing someone to play alongside him rather than to replace him.
Competent, but needs to be told he can’t dribble.
Dinos had a similarly good game for Greece against England, where he was outstanding. At WHU he was in and out all the time with never a run of games, no faith shown in him while we all know how CBs need to understand each other’s game and that takes a bit of time. Sorry to disagree, but do not think he is cumbersome, he is actually pretty quick over the ground and can cover well because of it. As Ammers 66 says he has always played his heart out for the team too – sometimes a bit rashly though😊. I wanted to see Kilman rested for a while, rather than Dinos – so I got that wrong.
Anyway, people have different views but pleased for all 3: Areola, Kilman and Dinos after Arsenal and congrats to the manager + coaches.
Todibo must be a good CB too, but has had a run in with one, possibly two managers, who seemed unable to avoid creating problems themselves. Do not know if Todibo will come good, or feels like Aguerd?
Just shows what confidence can do.
Nice article Gonzo
We tolerate some players too long without just dwarves and others we don’t at all. Mavropanos is the latter category. He’s quick, brave and committed….. Todibo??? Let’s stop tinkering and stick by this back FOUR
Well done Dinos Mavropanos! It’s great to see you playing so well. Make sure you keep it up because we’re depending on you. 🇬🇷👍