West Ham United ace Konstantinos Mavropanos lauded for ‘world beater’ performance v England
Konstantinos Mavropanos left Lee Dixon gushing over his performance as the West Ham United ace excelled for Greece in the 2-1 win against England.
The Greeks recorded their first-ever win on English soil at Wembley on Thursday [10 October] as a 94 minute winner from Vangelis Pavlidis secured his brace and the UEFA Nations League victory for his country.
Mavropanos could have gotten on the scoresheet but saw his header ruled out by VAR early in the first half. He was a colossus at the back for his side and his display rewarded the highest praise from Dixon live on his commentary for ITV 1 [10 October].
He said: “Mavropanos looks like a world beater today. Most of the build-up play [from Greece] he’s not really involved physically but he’s commanding the midfield players in front of him.
“But anytime the ball comes near him in the box, the ball seems to hit him at some point. Positionally he’s been very good.”
Konstantinos Mavropanos can lead the backline for West Ham United
The 26-year-old began the new season under Julen Lopetegui as a mainstay in the West Ham defence but after starting the first five Premier League matches has been dropped to the bench for Jean-Clair Todibo.
Mavropanos is the last remaining centre-back of the David Moyes era and, it is becoming apparent Lopetegui is more trusting of Max Kilman and Todibo, both of whom the Spaniard brought to East London this summer.
He seems to be being punished for his manager’s failings, the Greek took the flack for allowing Nicholas Jackson to open the scoring inside the first three minutes in the 3-0 loss to Chelsea however it was Lopetegui’s tactics that left the defender so exposed.
The Hammers have not particularly improved in his absence in the last two matches, despite the 4-1 win against Ipswich Town last weekend and, this performance will be a stark reminder of what the side are missing without him.
Mavropanos led an inferior Greece side to a historic win against England, his leadership will be needed for the Irons after the international break with a tough fixture schedule ahead.
Lopetegui has some huge decisions to make in East London with a huge trip to Tottenham awaiting when club football resumes.
In other West Ham news, Michail Antonio’s influence will be crucial as the Hammers chase Richard King transfer.
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