Is there anyone who feels that Konstantinos Mavropanos is genuinely worthy of a starting berth next to Max Kilman? The giant Greek International joined us in 2023for 20 million euros from Stuttgart, having been in Germany for just one season after being sold by Arsenal after they loaned him out to the German side for a season.
He does therefore have a bit of a history of being moved on after a short stay: At West Ham we are finding that he does have a great presence but there are just always mistakes lurking and whilst that may have been acceptable last year, partnering Zouma or Aguerd, I sense the bar has been raised higher this year with the establishment of Kilman as first choice defensive partner.
Mistakes always on the cards: Mavropanos
It isn’t just me who is being critical, Talk Sport Live Tom Rennie on ‘X’ commented yesterday : “Mavrapanos again. Too deep. Doesn’t run back at pace. Doesn’t block the cross. Sorry, but he’s got to go. Nowhere near Premier League quality.”
This after culpability for Man City’s third goal last outing. There are mistakes waiting to happen. Which brings me to the question, if we can see it, surely Lopetegui can? And, importantly, where is his replacement Jean-Clair Todibo?
After the pursuit of Todibo took up so much media interest in the summer window, the superlatives used to describe him when he landed at London Stadium- why is he sitting on the bench?
If West Ham were stringing together a succession of immaculate defensive performances, clean sheets and looking a model of defensive cohesion then there would be a big argument for not changing anything: Hardly the case this season with Mavropanos falling short and looking more error-prone when lining up next to Max Kilman. Part of this is down to the English defender’s growing stature at the back: He has improved and increased in confidence since the early days of pre-season whereas the Greek has not.
So, surely it is time for Todibo to take centre stage and start at centre back? The only reason can be his fitness if he didn’t have a pre season: He did look a bit off the pace in the cameo outing before the break but he’s now had another three weeks to work. The loan to buy agreement means he needs only a small number of ‘starts’ to be confirmed as a Hammers permanent signing so it cannot be that we are trying to manage his appearances: Can we please just get on and use the upgrade we have sitting kicking his heels and work towards creating that cohesive defensive unit, we have the components now and just need to put them all together.
You Brits are too close to the action and somewhat subjective in your evaluation of Mavropoulos. The Greek was judged to be the second best in performance on the team against Fulham by objective observers that saw the game. Kilman has been mediocre at best since he came on the team as a starter. Yet the talking heads of West Ham media would have you believe that Kilman is the second coming of Jesus.
Kilman doesn’t have the speed of Mavropoulos and he has been prone to be easily by-passed by opposing players. Be careful what you wish for with these new center backs that were brought to the team. All you talking media heads they are a great addition to the team but many of feel they are average at best. Given time, you will notice that Mavropoulos is the best you have on defense.
Todibo has to start alongside Kilman soon. I suspect that Julen wants to see what he already has – Wan Bissaka was on the bench at first, now it seems he’s replaced Coufal as regular right back. I’m expecting Soler to start soon, and Summerville to get more game time as well.
Another member of the Mavro witchhuntbrigade .Spends all his time covering for Kilman.
No where near the same level of mistakes lLopegetui or Paqueta makes
You Brits are too close to the action and somewhat subjective in your evaluation of Mavropoulos. The Greek was judged to be the second best in performance on the team against Fulham by objective observers that saw the game. Kilman has been mediocre at best since he came on the team as a starter. Yet the talking heads of West Ham media would have you believe that Kilman is the second coming of Jesus.
Kilman doesn’t have the speed of Mavropoulos and he has been prone to be easily by-passed by opposing players. Be careful what you wish for with these new center backs that were brought to the team. All your talking media heads comment about what great additions to the team were made by your manager but many objective observers feel they are average at best. Given time, you will notice that Mavropoulos is the best you have on defense.
Duran really the one that got away , at his age he could be our worse transfer decision ever, a total shocker
Or the fact the Sullivan refused to pay £1m for Jamie Vardy when he was offered to West Ham as a Fleetwood player.
Mavrapanos is good enough for the Prem but not one of the best in the Prem. Loads of qualities I admire but is prone to the odd mistake … Any similarities to the Ginger Pele anyone? And he’s a blooming LEGEND!
Is Todibo better? Well the jury has to be out as we’ve not seen him yet. Let’s not get too carried away with the “not good enough” calls please as we’ve seen Uncle Ogs and Treacle legs Zouma go recently both of which had their good times in Claret and Blue (but ultimately not up to 2024/25 standards).
Mavrapanos hasn’t had a ridiculously extended run in the team since arriving but at the moment he’s the best we’ve got after Killman and is pretty good IMO. I for one am not ready to right him off by some margin, get the midfield keeping the ball and allowing him to defend on the front foot and we’re all good.
Mavrapanos stopped and watched Fulham score, schoolboy stuff. Fulham got so many crosses in mainly from our wide right and only misplaced headers saved us. Tobido to play aginst Chelsea. The team is giving too many chances for the opposition to score in every game this season.
I have asked the same question multiple times, and rather than rush to judgement have asked if perhaps Lopetegui considers he is not yet fit enough? One thing I do know is that Mavrapanos is not good enough for a top 6 PL side so if he stays, we will not qualify for European football. The same applies to Antonio and Cresswell. There have been some pathetic excuses made for players not being fit enough for the start of the season. Multi-millionaire playboys with access to the best that life has to offer, first class and private travel, personal chefs and trainers etc. If some can do it, they all can. Lopetegui runs the training and picks the team and is ultimately responsible for both individual and team performance and to date, there are huge problems with both.
Todibo looked well off the pace in the cup, sloppy and laboured. Wouldn’t be surprised if they’re having second thoughts and will only use (and therefore sign) if forced to.
I’m slowly giving up
Mavropanos did not do well at all for Fulham’s opener, but Kilman also had responsibilty as he could not prevent Jimenez from getting in front of him and score. Errors in defense are more noticeable than deficiencies in attack. Interesting that “Whoscored” yesterday ranked Mavropanos (7.2) third best West Ham player, behind Bowen (7.4) and Kudus (7.3). And Sofascore ranked Ings and Mavropanos (7.4 each) as West Ham’s two best players yesterday. Different parameters considered maybe? Todibo hopefully manages to have a low mistake count once he gets to play.
Prior to the mistake against Man City he was going well enough and Gonzo reported Tobido having a long wait ahead of him. His slow movement in closing down for Fulham’s goal was poor and won’t have helped his confidence. I think that there’s no way he’ll be in the starting lineup against Chelsea but nobody could be so bold as to say that out loud.