West Ham United ‘monster’ Max Kilman wows with what he did v Crystal Palace

West Ham United “monster” Max Kilman has left Troy Deeney in awe following his performance against Crystal Palace.

Julen Lopetegui’s side claimed their first three points of the Premier League campaign with a 2-0 win at Selhurst Park on Saturday (24 August) thanks to second-half goals from Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen.

While the goalscorers claimed the majority of plaudits from pundits and fans, BBC Sport pundit Deeney was quick to admit he was blown away by Kilman’s Ferdinand-like assist for Bowen’s strike.

Writing for BBC Sport on Sunday (25 August) he said: “He was a monster for West Ham. They were under a lot of pressure.

“He was like a young Rio [Ferdinand] the way he stepped out and played the ball that sent Jarrod Bowen away to score.”

How much did West Ham pay Wolves for Max Kilman transfer?

Most supporters were surprised to see the Hammers fork out such a big fee for Kilman earlier on this summer, but his display against Palace on Saturday showed exactly why Lopetegui was so keen to sign the defender.

Not only was he a monster out of possession as Deeney suggested, but he offered an element of composure and cutting edge on the ball that the Hammers have been lacking over the last couple of seasons.

Neither Kurt Zouma nor Nayef Aguerd would have been able to break out of the backline before picking out Bowen in the manner that Kilman did at Selhurst Park.

Julen Lopetegui
West Ham United head coach Julen Lopetegui [Credit: Imago]

While comparisons with Ferdinand may be slightly over the top, it isn’t too far-fetched to suggest that the former Wolves man could reach that level in the future.

Hopefully, he will be able to continue this good form for the remainder of the season. If he can form a strong partnership with Jean-Clair Todibo when the Frenchman is finally handed his start, the Irons could have one of the division’s strongest backlines.

In other West Ham news, Tim Steidten has made a new Jarrod Bowen approach after the Irons’ win over Crystal Palace

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