West Ham United defender Maximilian Kilman takes on questions submitted by supporters, discussing his futsal days, his non-league to Premier League journey and how he's settled seamlessly into the Irons squad...
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Who are the best players you’ve played with? Paul Brownfield
“The best players that I’ve played with are Raúl Jiménez, João Moutinho and Rúben Neves. But now that I’m at West Ham, there are a lot of quality players, but I’ll say Jarrod [Bowen] and Mo [Mohammed Kudus]. Players such as Raúl, Jarrod and Mo can win you games from one little moment, while Moutinho and Neves were unbelievable in possession and have so much quality on the ball.”
What’s your best memory from your futsal days, and do you miss it? George White
“I miss it a little bit, of course, as it’s such a fun, attacking game, and there’s also lots of defending, but I am glad with where I am now, and there’s no doubt futsal helped me get here. I don’t think there’s one specific moment that stands out, but representing England was a good moment.”
How important do you think the role of captain is in the modern game? David Halik
“I think it’s very important, and a lot of the modern game has to do with things off the pitch as well, such as how you are off the pitch and represent the club, yourself and the rest of the team. I think being a modern-day captain has a lot more responsibility, not just on the pitch but also off of it.”
How much have you enjoyed being back in east London, close to your roots? Brian Monk
“It’s amazing that I can spend a lot more time with my family, and it’s a lot easier for me and my girlfriend now that we’re back home. I grew up in east London and then moved to north-west London, so being back home is amazing and I’m comfortable being around my friends and family.”
How much did you enjoy your assist for Jarrod Bowen’s goal against Crystal Palace in August? Filip Mikulic
“It was really good, but I need to try and do that a few more times. I like to drive out of defence with the ball, and that’s one of my strengths, but it’s important to find the right moments to do that at the right times, and luckily I found Jarrod in a great position on that occasion, and he scored. My role is to do as much as I can and help the team as much as possible.”
Who has been your favourite central defensive partner during your career so far? Cian
“I’ve played with a lot of good defenders throughout my career, but I think the one who I learned the most from is Conor Coady. When I joined Wolves, he was the captain at the time, and he helped me a lot, and we went on to play many games together. There’s also Romain Saïss, Willy Boly, Nathan Collins and Craig Dawson. We’ve got JC [Jean-Clair Todibo] and Dinos [Mavropanos] here now at West Ham who are also both very good centre-backs. I’ve been very lucky to play with good centre-backs throughout my career.”
What’s your favourite memory from your time at Maidenhead? Ben Woolland
“I think it was just one of my first seasons and playing with the senior team in the men’s game. Going to some of the away grounds in the National League, there were some teams that had big stadiums, such as Tranmere and Leyton Orient, so just getting to go there and experiencing a different kind of atmosphere was incredible, as it was something that I wasn’t used to.”
Do you feel fully settled in at West Ham, and how well did everyone help you adapt to your new surroundings in the summer? Mykil Wylsin
“Yes, 100 per cent. I feel settled in here, not just with the players, but with the staff, and everyone at the Club has made me feel so welcome. I’m really happy to be here and enjoying my football. I can feel the support from the supporters, and I’m hopeful we can enjoy a good end to the season for them.”
