Why Greek media likened West Ham's Konstantinos Mavropanos to Jamie Carragher after win vs Germany
West Ham United's Konstantinos Mavropanos impressed again for Greece on Sunday.
The centre-back has already established himself as a key player for the Hammers again, starting in seven of eight Championship games.
The 28-year-old was linked with a London Stadium departure, with the likes of Borussia Dortmund and other European clubs keen, but was happy to stay and help fight for promotion back to the Premier League.
Mavropanos was called up to Greece's squad ahead of their Nations League campaign, and featured in his nation's 2-1 win over Serbia on Thursday.
Nuno Espirito Santo will have been pleased to hear about the positive game he had, while he will most likely be keeping his fingers crossed behind his back for the defender to stay injury-free.
Mavropanos featured once again for Greece on Sunday, this time overcoming the odds to beat Germany 1-0 in a super team performance.
How Greek media have reacted to 'aggressive' Konstantinos Mavropanos display vs Germany
Mavropanos played 90 minutes in the win over Serbia, and has racked up another full game of playing time after a victory against Germany
He had the most defensive contributions in the match with 17 against Jurgen Klopp's side, boasting an 88 per cent passing accuracy.
He won five out of five ground duels, while also winning 100 per cent of his aerial duels, too.
Greece now sit firmly at the top of Group A in the Nations League after the win, as their national media react to Mavropanos' performance, with one report likening him to Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher.
Hellas Football gave him a 9/10 rating, writing: "Mavropanos would head a bomb if you chucked it at him.
"The West Ham defender put on a clinic in last-ditch defending in Augsburg. He was simply always there to tackle, clear and block just in the nick of time.
"It was an aggressive display straight out of Jamie Carragher's textbook, and that is most definitely a compliment."
Gazzetta.gr reacted to the defender's performance, claiming he gave "recital", which suggests he was of major importance to Greece's backline.
The games don't get any easier for Greece, with a showdown against the Netherlands and a return fixture against Germany this week.
Thankfully for Nuno, this should give Mavropanos time to rest and recover before West Ham's return to action.
Why Mavropanos still has to improve for West Ham
Mavropanos has four goals in seven league games already for the Hammers, and is on track for a memorable season.
However, the Irons are still leaking goals at the back, and his goals do not hide him from criticism.
There have been several instances where Mavropanos has switched off defensively, allowing opponents to exploit spaces in the box, sometimes even scoring.
West Ham have conceded 8.22 xG while he has been on the pitch, and though it's not the worst statistic, it proves that there is plenty of room for improvement.
This week will only continue to help him.