After a disappointing defeat at Nottingham Forest, Dinos Mavropanos is eager to help West Ham United get back to winning ways in the Premier League, starting with the Hammers’ home clash with Everton on Saturday.
The Greece international, who is in his second season in Claret and Blue following his August 2023 move from VfB Stuttgart, has made ten appearances in all competitions so far during 2024/25 under boss Julen Lopetegui.
While predominantly utilised as a centre-back, competition for places and tweaks to the defensive system have showcased Mavropanos' versatility in recent weeks, with the 26-year-old having been deployed as part of a back three and even at right-back.
And as West Ham battle for what would be a third home win in a row for the first time since October 2022 against the Toffees, he has stressed he is willing to do whatever is asked of him in order to help the team.
“To be honest, I was a bit surprised to come on and fill in at right-back [against Brentford, at the end of September],” confirmed Mavropanos. “I thought I played well. I used to play this position sometimes in Germany [with Stuttgart], because of the way we were defending with three defenders.
“Of course, for me, I think it’s a little more difficult because I think I am a player who is better to be closer to our own box, but if the manager asks me to play in a different position, whatever it might be, then I will do it and give everything to help the team.”
Now firmly settled in the West Ham camp, having returned to England 15 months ago following two loan stints in Germany before a year-long permanent stay at Stuttgart, former Arsenal man Mavropanos believes the strength in the Hammers’ defensive ranks is bringing the best out of him.
Maximilian Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo both arrived in east London in the summer, while Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd each departed on loan, and Mavropanos insists he and his teammates have developed strong partnerships that will help the team fire up the standings in the upcoming weeks.
“Obviously we’ve not had the start to the season that we wanted, and the defeat at Nottingham Forest was disappointing, so we want to make sure we respond and get three points against Everton before the international break,” Mavropanos confirmed.
"Generally, I think it’s been exciting [so far this season] from the beginning because of our new manager, philosophy and tactics. We’ve learned a lot of new things and have a new game style, and we’re always trying to make an improvement. I think it’s been good until now and we can be even better.
“I’ve felt settled at the Club from the moment I arrived, and it has felt as if I’ve been here for a longer time because of the welcome I had. I've always arrived to training with a smile on my face and ready to be part of this team. I think with my performances I always try to do my best and get a position in the starting XI. I had a good first season, but I’ve got much more to give to this Club.
“Sometimes it can take a bit more time to settle with new centre-backs, but I think Max [Kilman] and JC [Todibo] have so much quality, and we've quickly adjusted to working together. We’ve got a lot of quality at the back at the moment, so we just need to continue to work hard and improve in our defence.
“One of the best things is to come to training and work in an environment like we have here because it makes you feel part of a family. There’s a lot of competition for places, but it is something we all relish as players, and we're all excited for what's to come.”
