Thilo Kehrer outperforming every other centre-back in Europe after leaving West Ham Back in January 2024, AS Monaco decided to sign Thilo Kehrer on loan for the remainder of the 2023/24 campaign.
West Ham were happy to let the Germany international go, not only temporarily, but also for good, as a £9.5m purchase option was given to the French giants.After an impressive run of displays, AS Monaco decided to trigger that option, signing Kehrer to a four-year contract back in May.
Now, that is starting to look like a foolish decision from West Ham.
As WhoScored shows, Kehrer is statistically outperforming every other central defender in Europe’s top five leagues right now, with an average match rating of 7.64 to his name.The AS Monaco No.5 has even managed to score two goals in his five appearances in Ligue 1 so far this season, helping Adi Hutter’s side top the table.
Tim Steidten decision now looks even worse at West Ham
Of course, some players suit certain leagues better than others, with Kehrer struggling in the Premier League – undoubtedly.
Therefore, his sale would have been a wise move had Tim Steidten beefed up the centre-back department at the London Stadium, but that is far from the case.West Ham’s Director of Football has instead left Julen Lopetegui short in that area after offloading Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd, making Kehrer’s displays for AS Monaco harder to take.
West Ham were even speaking to Joel Matip and John Egan as potential free transfers, before the latter moved to Burnley and the former retired.
Hopefully, West Ham solve this lack of squad depth out in January, or the second half of the 2024/25 campaign could be a struggle.The £19million West Ham man defended well, ensuring the Three Lions barely got any chances to threaten.
Mavropanos also had the ball in the back of England’s net and thought he’d scored the opener, but was adjudged to have been offside.
Dixon liked what he saw from the Hammers powerhouse, telling ITV Sport (10/10/2024): “Mavropanos looks like a world beater today.Mavropanos slips down West Ham pecking order
Mavropanos has fallen down the pecking order at West Ham in recent weeks, with Jean-Clair Todibo taking his place.
He started the Hammers’ first five Premier League games, but lately he has had to make do with a spot on the bench.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Mavropanos, with Lopetegui now favouring Todibo and Max Kilman – both his own signings – in the West Ham defence.