TNT Sports pundit Peter Crouch has named West Ham defender Max Kilman among his three best signings of the summer transfer window.
The 28-year-old was signed from Wolves for £40m, and Crouch included him among his picks, along with Chelsea’s Pedro Neto and Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke:
“Pedro Neto from Wolves to Chelsea, I think he’s a top player. I think many in Europe would have signed him and Chelsea have got a top one there along with many others, but I think he’s a top signing. Max Kilman at West Ham is a top signing. Very solid, I think he’s shown in the first few games that he brings the ball out, retains the ball really well, top player.”
“I think Dominic Solanke at Tottenham, only because I don’t think they replaced Harry Kane since he left as the focal point. I think they’ve got enough ability in and around it but a No.9 at Spurs, once he gets over his injury, I think he’ll score and do the business.”
Kilman is winning over the doubters
Some supporters questioned the logic of paying £40m for the centre-back, especially as he wasn’t someone who was that highly rated by Wolves fans before his departure from Molineux.
However, head coach Julen Lopetegui is an admirer of Kilman’s, and the Hammers trusted the judgement of their new manager.
So far, the Englishman has looked impressive, although there are question marks about his two centre-back partners: Konstantinos Mavropanos and Jean-Clair Todibo, who haven’t performed well in the opening 4 matches.
West Ham are still looking to strengthen their backline
Despite the transfer window having closed, the Irons are weighing up moves for free agents to give Kilman more competition in the centre of defence.
Mats Hummels was among the favourites to be brought in but he looks set to join Roma. Former Liverpool defender Joel Matip and ex-Sheffield United player John Egan are the two alternatives that are being considered.
