Don Hutchison was left baffled by a “strange” decision by Konstantinos Mavropanos as West Ham lost 1-0 against Freiburg in the Europa League on Thursday (7 March).
The Greek defender has been a much calmer presence in the Hammers’ backline in recent weeks but was lucky to not concede after an uncomfortable pass across to Kurt Zouma in the penalty area.
It ended up being a disappointing outing for the Hammers, who were beaten 1-0 and have it all to do at the London Stadium next Thursday (14 March).
Speaking live via TNT Sport on Thursday (7 March, 8:37pm) Hutchison said: “He’s done well [Kurt] Zouma because his teammate Mavropanos has put him in a world of trouble with a three-yard pass in the 18-yard box that you do not want.
“Zouma in the end did the right thing, strange little ball that from Mavropanos putting it on his left foot.”
Is Kurt Zouma and Konstantinos Mavropanos the strongest centre-back partnership at West Ham United?
Zouma and Mavropanos look to be the strongest centre-back pairing that Moyes currently has to hand, with 35-year-old Angelo Ogbonna on the bench and Nayef Aguerd in and out of the side.
This does not mean that the current duo are without their faults, showcased by the latter’s mistake in the first half against Freiburg, while Zouma has been struggling in recent weeks.
Despite remaining as the club’s captain, many fans have been calling for the Frenchman to be axed from Moyes’ lineup but stepped up against Everton in the Premier League with a towering header to equalise in what ended up a 3-1 victory.
Moyes will likely be targeting a brand-new centre-back in the summer transfer window, but only if he signs a contract extension at the London Stadium.
Beating Freiburg in the second leg will play a huge role in the Scot extending his stay at the club, with West Ham hoping to add to their Europa Conference League title last season.
