Opinion: 0% Tackles Won Could Simplify Lopetegui’s Decision After Last Night’s Performance
Julen Lopetegui Boasts Defensive Depth at West Ham with Summer Additions of Kilman and Todibo, Plus Mavropanos
Konstantinos Mavropanos struggled in Greece’s 3-0 loss to England in the Nations League on 14 November, delivering a performance that did little to bolster his reputation.
At West Ham, Max Kilman has been a mainstay in Julen Lopetegui’s defense, leaving Mavropanos and Jean-Clair Todibo to compete for the remaining spot in the backline.
Lopetegui briefly experimented with a three-man defense against Nottingham Forest on 2 November, but the tactic failed spectacularly as the Hammers suffered a 3-0 defeat.
Mavropanos initially enjoyed regular minutes at the start of the season but has recently fallen out of favor.
Todibo was preferred in the 0-0 draw against Everton on 9 November, further highlighting the Greek international’s diminished role.
The international break offered Mavropanos an opportunity to prove his worth, but his performance against England was underwhelming.
According to FotMob, the defender won none of his tackles, recorded one block, two interceptions, and six clearances.
Although he achieved an impressive 89% passing accuracy, completed 80% of his long balls, and won nine out of 11 duels, he remained part of a defense that conceded three goals.
These stats are unlikely to impress Lopetegui, who appears ready to cement Kilman and Todibo as his starting central defensive pairing.
Todibo, in particular, seems poised to become a pivotal figure in the manager’s plans, potentially leaving Mavropanos on the periphery of the squad.
