‘I’m ready to play against Viborg’ says new West Ham star Thilo Kehrer just over 24 hours after joining the Hammers from PSG.
West Ham entertain Danish side Viborg FF at the London Stadium on Thursday night in the first leg of their Europa Conference League play-off tie.
The Hammers go into the crucial game without manager David Moyes, captain Declan Rice and vice skipper Aaron Cresswell.
All three are banned after suspensions dished out on that tempestuous and ultimately heartbreaking night in Frankfurt back in May.
West Ham are already suffering a defensive injury crisis with Kurt Zouma their only available senior centre back.
So without Rice and Cresswell, who can both deputise there if needed, the problem is exacerbated for this must-win banana skin.
Moyes eased his defensive woes with the bargain £10.1m capture of German star Kehrer on Wednesday.
Kehrer will wear the number 24. Photo: West Ham United FC
The former Schalke man was registered in time to play against Viborg if needed.
And the 25-year-old has already shown a great attitude.
‘I’m ready to play against Viborg’ says new West Ham star Kehrer about the game which comes just over 24 hours after joining from PSG.
“Yeah, I followed it (West Ham in the Europa League) last year, of course and I saw the semi-final against Frankfurt and I think it’s possible to go far again in Europe, and I’m pretty sure it’s one of the targets also for the season,” Kehrer told whufc.com.
Thilo Kehrer. Photo: West Ham United FC
“I’m ready to play (against Viborg), yes!
“Thank you to all the fans for the warm welcome, for all the positive nice messages. I’m very happy to see you as soon as possible at the stadium.”
What a signing this is for West Ham. This is one of the fastest, most athletic defenders in Europe, at a brilliant age, who has been billed as ‘world class’ and cost PSG £35m just a few years ago.
Kehrer will remind West Ham fans of a young Rio Ferdinand in many ways.
He is extremely fast and is one of Germany’s quickest players according to Sport Mob. When he was at Schalke, the Bundesliga’s official website described him as a potentially ‘world-class’ player.
Yes perhaps it can be argued Kehrer has not progressed as PSG might have hoped.
But the French champions are hardly the most stable club for a young player, especially a defender, to be given time to adjust and grow.