When Jean-Clair Todibo was ruled out for three West Ham United matches in Premier League and FA Cup, the France international’s form was good enough to suggest that he would walk straight back into Nuno Espirito Santo’s XI.
Thanks to the arrival of Axel Disasi and the form of Konstantinos Mavropanos, though, suddenly things do not appear quite so certain.
While the sample size is small, Disasi’s impact has been anything but. Since arriving on loan from Chelsea on deadline day, he and Mavropanos have conceded only one goal across over 180 minutes of Premier League football.
Todibo’s return gives Nuno a problem…
Now, if we at Hammers News are being uber, uber critical, we may suggest that Disasi should have been first to Bryan Mbeumo’s rather uninspiring cross. Benjamin Sesko nicked in and ‘robbed’ a win from under Nuno Espirito Santo’s nose with a glorious finish deep into stoppage time at the London Stadium.
Still, after keeping the Premier League’s third-highest goalscorers at arm’s length until right at the death, Disasi and Mavropanos staked a very early claim to be Nuno’s most effective central defensive partnership.
Where this leaves Jean-Clair Todibo, his suspension coming to an end after West Ham United’s FA Cup fourth-round trip to Burton Albion, remains to be seen.
On the bench, possibly.
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Axel Disasi steps up in Jean-Clair Todibo’s West Ham United absence
Todibo has been one of the players to benefit the most from the sacking of Graham Potter and the appointment of Nuno. From a £35 million flop, in the eyes of many, to a reliable presence at the heart of a much-improved backline.
But as Todibo picked up a ‘stupid’ red card against Chelsea – insult to injury after Liam Rosenior’s side roared back from 2-0 down to win at Stamford Bridge – a three-match ban could hardly have come at a worse time. Not so much for the Hammers, the signing of Axel Disasi meant Nuno had a readymade replacement, albeit one who had not started a Premier League match since April 2025.
But most certainly for a defender who, for all his qualities in possession, lacks the physicality and the aerial prowess of Disasi and Mavropanos.
Nuno put real emphasis on the need to ‘defend the box’ after Chelsea turned around that half-time deficit a few weeks ago. West Ham have conceded the most headed goals in the Premier League this season, as well as the third-most set-piece goals.
Now, Mavropanos has comfortably the best aerial duel success rate out of he, Todibo and Kilman. Disasi became an immediate fans’ favourite, meanwhile, by outmuscling Burnley’s battering rams at Turf Moor and putting his body on the line against Man United too.
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Disasi gives Nuno Espirito Santo more aerial presence
This is not to say the Clarets and the Red Devils would have had more luck in front of goal with Todibo in the Hammers’ XI. But, in his absence, Nuno made a point to highlight the physicality of that Disasi/Mavropanos partnership.
And, if the ability to break the lines is Todibo’s biggest strength, then dealing with crosses is arguably his greatest weakness.
“We were solid. We were very, very strong in our box. Axel, Dino, Aaron [Wan-Bissaka], Malick [Diouf], [Ollie] Scarles, they did a good job containing Burnley,” Nuno said in Lancashire.
“The boys did really, really well. They were committed, desire, organised, [with] talent up front. Nice goals, nice combinations and a clean sheet that makes us proud of the way we defended, because I believe that everything starts from there.
“If we can fix it then, up front, we have talent that can help us.
“I think [Disasi] did really well, particularly for someone who had been with us for less than a week. He was very aware of the needs of the team, and I think he integrated really well in terms of how he played, and the bonds he has on the pitch.
“The players have to have knowledge, and realise the movements, because one movement dictates the other. I think he did really well, and I hope he continues.”
If he does – ‘continue’, that is – then Todibo may be facing a lot longer than just three games out of the starting XI.
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