What Max Kilman has said about Nuno Espirito Santo will have West Ham fans licking their lips
Nuno Espirito Santo is lined up to become the new West Ham manager should they part ways with Graham Potter.
Nuno used to manage Max Kilman during their time together at Wolves, with the defender stalwart under the Portuguese manager.
Kilman’s fine form hasn’t carried on at West Ham, and he has come under fire multiple times this season, especially for his lack of physicality when defending.
He was part of the West Ham squad that struggled in the 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace, but he could be given a new lease of life under a new manager.
Nuno Espirito Santo ‘improved’ Max Kilman’s physicality
Potter could face the sack at West Ham as a result of their defensive instability.
Kilman has been a regular in the Hammers’ defence alongside Konstantinos Mavropanos, but the pair have so far failed to click.
West Ham players have continued to back Potter to succeed, but the likes of Nuno would be able to immediately improve the squad.
- Nottingham Forest had the seventh-best defence in the Premier League under Nuno last season
- In Wolves’ first season back in the top-flight, they also had the seventh-best defence, with 46 goals conceded
In 2020, Kilman explained just how much Nuno helped him improve during their time together at Wolves.
“I was a big, strong boy, but I had so much to work on,” Kilman told the Birmingham Mail.
“(Nuno improved) my game, understanding and my physicality. When I came in, I had never played five at the back, so I’ve had to adapt and understand my role as a defender.
“I’ve had to become stronger and sharper, and that’s what I lacked when I first came into Wolves.”
Nuno Espirito Santo could bring James Ward-Prowse back to his best
James Ward-Prowse has been poor during his time at West Ham, despite impressing in the top-flight with Southampton.
The midfielder was shipped out on loan to Nottingham Forest last season and was important at times for the East Midlands side.
Ward-Prowse’s fight and determination from his loan spell appear to have disappeared since his return to the London Stadium, but Nuno could bring them back.
The pair know each other well after their time together last season, and as with Kilman, the Portuguese manager could help them regain confidence.
Under Potter, the Hammers appear to have lost interest, and Nuno would renew hope that they can climb back into the top half of the Premier League again.
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