West Ham currently boast a backline packed with some extremely expensive footballers. Axel Disasi is on loan from Chelsea, having previously moved to Stamford Bridge for £38 million. The Hammers’ record fee for a defender remains the £40 million paid for Max Kilman from Wolverhampton Wanderers. Then there’s £35 million Jean-Clair Todibo and, earlier in the season, £30 million Nayef Aguerd.
An embarrassment of riches, on paper at least.
Yet without the benefit of hindsight, very few would have predicted that Konstantinos Mavropanos would be the one delivering consistent performances week in, week out as West Ham’s standout defender. But that is exactly what has happened.
Dinos, as he is known to his teammates, is quietly building a case to be named Hammer of the Year. In a season of struggle, perhaps the bar is lower than usual, but given the relentless pressure placed on the defence, his performances have been nothing short of outstanding.
Nuno Effect Lifting West Ham’s Defensive Unit
From scoring the winning penalty against Brentford to producing a heroic display — complete with a crucial goal — against Manchester City, Mavropanos has enjoyed a remarkable run of form.
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Interestingly, when he speaks, his message mirrors that of many of his teammates. There has been a clear shift at West Ham since the arrival of Nuno Espírito Santo.
West Ham’s ‘superman’ in defence – Dinos Mavropanos
“I think the second part of the season has been much better than the first one,” Mavropanos said. “We have worked so hard through the tough periods that now we can show it on the pitch. The environment is much better. We have more belief in ourselves, confidence and togetherness.
“Since he came, he tried to give everyone confidence. He tried to include everyone, to get us all on the same page, to fight for each other and have that togetherness.
“And I think that’s what you now see on the pitch — the effort, the unity and how we fight for one another.”
It leaves you wondering just how different things were before Nuno arrived — and how far this renewed spirit can take West Ham in the weeks ahead.