Julen Lopetegui to start Jean-Clair Todibo for West Ham United v Fulham
Konstantinos Mavropanos has a “mistake in him” and must be replaced by Jean-Clair Todibo at West Ham, Frank McAvennie has said.
Mavropanos has started all of Julen Lopetegui’s first three Premier League matches in charge, already taking on a much more important role than he had under David Moyes.
Despite solid efforts against Aston Villa and Crystal Palace and a well-fought defeat to Manchester City, McAvennie is not convinced by the 26-year-old in the centre of defence.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, he said: “I’m not too convinced about the partnership. Mavropanos, there’s a mistake in him. If you sign a player, you have to play him. Put Todibo in with Kilman for a couple of games and see if it works.
“I don’t understand why he would spend so much money on players and not give them a couple of games to get used to each other. The two have experience so I don’t think there would be any problem playing them together.
“I think the manager will eventually come to the realisation those two will be the starting pair going forward.”
West Ham United to axe Konstantinos Mavropanos?
Lopetegui was concerned about the level of defensive ability in the squad he inherited this summer, with Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd shipped out on loan just before the transfer window closed.
Many fans expected Mavropanos, who was dubbed “impressive” by Graeme Souness during his Arsenal days [Metro], to follow suit after receiving mixed reviews in his first season at the London Stadium.
The centre-back, however, has been a welcomed addition to the starting XI by Lopetegui, but there is still a clamour for new signing Jean-Clair Todibo to take his spot alongside Max Kilman.
After such a positive start to the campaign, it could be a risk to switch up the defence now.
In other West Ham news, Danny Ings has been tipped for an unexpected start v Fulham as new developments emerge.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.