Micah Richards wowed by Max Kilman in West Ham United v Crystal Palace, he’s the full package
West Ham have got the “full package” in summer signing Max Kilman, Micah Richards has said.
The centre-back made the switch from Wolves in a £40million deal early in July and caught the eye of Match of the Day pundit Richards in the 2-0 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday (24 August).
Richards thinks Kilman will make a big difference to a Hammers side that had the fourth worst defensive record in the league last term.
“He’s a quality player, I mean only the three relegated teams conceded more than West Ham last season and that’s why I think he’s invested in him,” Richards said on Match of the Day (24 August).
“In terms of positioning, in terms of organising the defence, in terms of playing out from the back and making tackles, I think he’s got the full package.
“I think he’s going to be a real star for West Ham.”
Max Kilman could be the best West Ham transfer of the season
Following their poor performances across the course of the 2023/24 season where the London-based club found themselves with the fourth-worst defensive record in the Premier League, it was evident that their defence needed shoring up.
Although Kilman’s name arguably isn’t the most exciting of those who have arrived [BBC, 13 August] at the London Stadium across the transfer window, his addition could be one of the key catalysts for their push towards European football.
The Hammers already look much stronger defensively and that’s without the likes of fellow newbies Jean Clair-Todibo [HITC, 10 August] and Aaron Wan-Bissaka starting alongside Kilman in defence.
Crystal Palace were one of the most exciting teams in terms of attacking football upon the arrival of Oliver Glasner but the Hammers managed to hold the Eagles back.
Indeed, the club are yet to replace Michael Olise but the likes of Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta both started the tie and were among Palace’s best players last term.
And, while there is still plenty of time for things to change at the London Stadium, should West Ham continue to perform as they did on 24 August week in and week out, there’s no reason why they can’t better their ninth-place finish from last season.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers remain “very interested” in adding Tammy Abraham to their ranks.
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