A recent X post by Luke, better known as LouOrns, showed some Championship centre-back analysis revealing that despite our shaky defence, Konstantinos Mavropanos is doing things that almost nobody else in the division can.
Looking at defenders with over 700 minutes played, the data shows a league dominated by specialists. Some centre-backs win everything in the air but struggle to contribute in possession. Others are comfortable progressing the ball but lack the physical dominance required to thrive in the Championship. Mavropanos is a rare exception. Winning more than 83% of his aerial duels while also posting progressive passing numbers comfortably above the league average, the Greek international combines two qualities that are rarely found in the same player. Only Portsmouth’s Regan Poole comes close to matching that balance, underlining just how unique Mavropanos’ profile has become.
What makes Mavropanos particularly impressive is that he is far more than a defender who simply attacks long balls. His progressive passing numbers are comfortably above the Championship average.
While defenders such as Billy Koumetio (Charlton), Ben Cabango (Swansea) and Nasser Djiga (Wolves) provide a respectable balance, none can match the Greek’s combination of aerial superiority and distribution.
That balance is precisely what makes him such a valuable asset. In a division built on physical battles, second balls and direct football, having a centre-back who consistently wins first contact whilst also driving possession forward provides a clear competitive edge, though it needs another three defenders and a goalkeeper to follow suit!
Dinos has posted some seriously impressive numbers
The chart paints a simple picture: many defenders excel at one aspect of the game. Very few excel at both.
Mavropanos’ Goals And West Ham’s January Concern
And the data still doesn’t tell the full story.
What the chart does not show is goals. Mavropanos has already contributed five goals this season, an outstanding return for a central defender and further evidence of his all-round impact.
The Greek colossus is one of the rare exceptions to the rule, a centre-back performing at the very highest Championship standard.
West Ham are expected to receive January bids, and with a season drifting towards mid-table obscurity, may struggle to persuade our one and only key defender to remain at the London Stadium.