West Ham United’s recent 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace showcased the potential of their new signings. During a five-minute spell in the match, four of their new players, Max Kilman, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Niclas Fullkrug, and Guido Rodriguez, were on the field together. Kilman, in particular, stood out as he not only displayed excellent defensive skills but also made an impressive offensive contribution. His charge into enemy territory resulted in him assisting captain Jarrod Bowen for the team’s second goal. Kilman’s performance earned him the man of the match award and praise from the technical director, Tim Steidten.
Kilman’s attacking attributes are something that West Ham has been missing since the departure of Declan Rice to Arsenal. The defender’s ability to make solo runs and contribute offensively adds a new dimension to the team’s play. This was evident in his assist to Bowen during the game. Kilman’s impact, along with Wan-Bissaka’s sprint leading up to Tomas Soucek’s opening goal, showcased the effectiveness of head coach Julen Lopetegui’s methods.
Soucek, appreciating the team’s performance, noted the improvement in their play from the back. However, he also acknowledged that there are still areas for improvement. Despite having many new players, Soucek expressed his hope for the team’s success and qualification for Europe. The midfielder emphasized the need for continuous improvement and praised the positive aspects of their performance.
While Wan-Bissaka received praise for his impact against his former club, it is Kilman who has proven himself as a valuable addition to West Ham. Lopetegui’s decision to make Kilman his first-choice transfer target is already paying off. Kilman, alongside Jean-Clair Todibo, forms a strong defensive partnership, and his performances have justified the £40 million fee. The defense, which struggled last season, is now expected to improve with Kilman’s presence.
Kilman’s transfer to West Ham was supported by his previous working relationship with Lopetegui at Wolverhampton Wanderers. The defender credits the manager for his improvement as a player and played every minute of Wolves’ Premier League campaign last season. Despite interest from other clubs, West Ham secured Kilman’s signing, and the early indications suggest that he could be one of the signings of the season.
In the match against Crystal Palace, Kilman showcased his defensive abilities with six clearances, three interceptions, and five recoveries. His consistent performances have raised his ambitions to play for the England national team. Kilman, who has previously represented England in futsal, expressed his desire to earn senior recognition and considers it a significant honor.
Overall, West Ham’s acquisition of Kilman has proven to be a valuable addition to their squad. His presence has already made a positive impact on the team’s performance, and his ball-playing ability, leadership, and defensive traits make him a standout player. As West Ham continues to benefit from Kilman’s progress, his journey from non-League football to potentially representing his country at the highest level is a testament to his development and the club’s astute transfer decision.