Credit: talkSPORT and Imago

Max Wilkins

Tue 21 April 2026 7:40, UK

Ally McCoist has been left baffled by the improvement he’s seen from Konstantinos Mavropanos at West Ham United.

The Greek international signed for the Irons from Stuttgart in 2023, but never managed to show his best form in his first two seasons.

That continued into the current campaign as he played a part in a shocking backline under Graham Potter as relegation loomed in East London.

Somehow, Nuno Espirito Santo has managed to totally transform the centre-back, and he has become one of the most important players in claret and blue.

That continued as West Ham drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace on Monday, and McCoist singled out Mavropanos as someone who has impressed him.

Ally McCoist questions Konstantinos Mavropanos improvement

There’s no doubt that the 28-year-old has been subject to negative reviews since stepping through the doors at Rush Green.

He has been a regular in the past three years, but has never been as good as he is right now in claret and blue.

That has seen him become a monumental figure under Nuno as he looks to drag the Hammers out of the relegation zone this season.

His goals against Manchester City and Wolves have helped seal important points, while also keeping five clean sheets.

That has all prompted McCoist to speak out on talkSPORT and question how the Greek centre-back has turned things around at the London Stadium.

Speaking live on Tuesday morning, he said: “What’s happened there? I mean, seriously, what has happened there? He’s turned into a leader, and he’s grabbing that defence by the horns. Another clean sheet.”

This has all prompted Mavropanos to be linked with a West Ham exit, but for now, they will hope their defensive heroics can continue.

Axel Disasi is the answer for West Ham

McCoist has questions about what he’s seen from the former Arsenal man, but Axel Disasi has been the true difference maker.

The Frenchman came in from Chelsea in January and has already managed to play a part in five Premier League clean sheets, compared to just one before his arrival.

His experience has seemingly helped everyone around him, and Mavropanos has benefitted from that as much as anyone in E20.

The duo were once again excellent as the Irons drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace in yet another shutout in claret and blue.

There may be rave reviews and questions about Mavropanos, but Disasi can’t be forgotten for his work under Nuno.