Max Kilman divides opinion at West Ham and it seems that’s not just among supporters after a journalist’s observation.
There are not many West Ham players who will emerge from this miserable season with any credit.
But until recently Max Kilman was probably one of them – alongside the likes of Jarrod Bowen, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Tomas Soucek and – when he played – Crysencio Summerville.
Wan-Bissaka will comfortably be named Hammer of the Year.
But until recently, it was Kilman who was jostling with his fellow summer recruit for that honour.
West Ham raised eyebrows by paying £40m to sign Wolves’ captain.
But the ball-playing centre-back had been one of the team’s most consistent performers in a topsy turvy season.
The Hammers have actually been struggling for the last season-and-a-half now, since the start of 2024 under David Moyes.
Kilman had been one of the best of a bad West Ham bunch
From the last 53 Premier League games, West Ham have managed only 13 wins.
Moyes, Julen Lopetegui and now Graham Potter must all shoulder some of the responsibility.
Not to mention axed technical director Tim Steidten and the Hammers board.
Fed up Potter says it’s time to start blaming West Ham’s players for the team’s failings.
Potter finally snapped after watching West Ham collapse at Brighton – where they came from behind to lead 2-1 with six minutes of normal time to play – only to somehow lose 3-2.
West Ham striker Niclas Fullkrug spoke out about the team’s weak mentality the week before.
Fullkrug was hailed a hero for his honesty by Hammers fans.
Potter criticised and dropped Fullkrug at Brighton for his outburst.
But as West Ham fans were only too keen to remind Potter from the stands, ‘the German was right’.
In the aftermath, Fullkrug sent a warning to Potter on social media.
It only serves to confirm suspicions that all has not been well in the West Ham dressing room for some time.
Fullkrug had hinted previously the team is lacking leaders and is divided.
Players such as Mohammed Kudus and Jean-Clair Todibo had bust-ups with Lopetegui.
And both captain Bowen and Soucek have echoed Fullkrug’s comments by criticising the mentality and performances of the team following the Brighton defeat.
Thomas shares what two West Ham stars did towards Kilman
Now Roshane Thomas has shared what two West Ham stars did towards Kilman in wake of shock exit talk.
Thomas is The Athletic’s West Ham reporter and was at the Amex to watch the team’s inexplicable defeat.
Last month, leading football data analysts WhoScored revealed Kilman had been the best defender in the Premier League this season in terms of several key statistics.
There is no hiding the fact the former futsal star has struggled more of late, though.
Last week a shocking claim emerged that West Ham are open to selling Kilman this summer after just one season.
His performance in West Ham’s recurring late collapses have drawn much criticism.
Not just from fans, though, it seems.
Bowen and Soucek couldn’t hide Kilman frustration in collapse
While it is perfectly normal for players to chastise one another during games, Thomas noticed the actions of captain Bowen and Soucek towards the defender when West Ham conceded the equalising goal on the stroke of 90 minutes.
Thomas pointed out something Kilman did that infuriated Soucek and Bowen as much as it did the supporters.
Kilman was marking Kaoru Mitoma but lost the forward as he drifted forward – presumably in anticipation the ball was going to be cut back to the unmarked centre-back Lewis Dunk.
Although it was a split-second decision, it was the wrong one and a fatal one from Kilman.
In looking to close down a centre-back, Kilman left the most dangerous attacker in the opposition’s team unmarked to head home from a few yards out.
Thomas noted that Soucek looked towards his Kilman in bemusement at his defending.
Kilman exit talk perhaps not so shocking now
Meanwhile the reporter said skipper Bowen slammed the turf in anger.
Thomas also highlighted that it was Kilman who played Bournemouth onside when West Ham once again threw away a 2-1 lead late in the game.
It is clear there is a lack of leadership, communication and ownership of certain situations at West Ham.
So it is no wonder the team is struggling so badly.
What Thomas spotted from Soucek and Bowen is not a bad thing – it proves they expect higher standards from Kilman and their teammates.
But it points to a problem that must be addressed this summer.
And despite statistically being one of West Ham’s better players this season – although that is hardly an achievement given what has gone on – it also makes it less shocking that the Hammers are considering offloading Kilman if suitable offers were to arrive.
The centre-back needs to show he is someone Potter and the club can rebuild around in the final few weeks.
Because even some of his teammates are getting frustrated with his defending.
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