“He was struggling. He was the weakest link” – Fans BLAST West Ham’s best player after the Fulham draw, CRITICIZE the star player despite SOLID performance in the game.

Max Kilman, West Ham United’s summer signing, has found himself at the center of some baffling criticism, despite his standout performances for the club. The 27-year-old defender, who joined the Hammers from Wolverhampton Wanderers for around £40 million, has been nothing short of stellar since his arrival. Many fans and pundits alike have praised his commanding presence at the back, but that hasn’t stopped some from taking potshots at the center-back.

Kilman, who was already well-known to West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui from their time together at Wolves, was a key target during the transfer window. Lopetegui saw the defender as a crucial piece in his plans to reshape West Ham’s defense. In fact, Lopetegui considered giving Kilman the captaincy, though the armband ultimately went to forward Jarrod Bowen. Kilman’s leadership qualities and excellent performances have quickly made him a fan favorite at the London Stadium.

Despite his strong form, Guardian journalist Jacob Steinberg recently took to social media to criticize Kilman following West Ham’s 1-1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage. Steinberg tweeted that West Ham and Kilman “got away with one” and suggested that Lopetegui’s ideas were not yet having the desired impact on the team. The journalist noted that West Ham were lucky to escape with a point, implying that Kilman’s defensive performance was lacking.

Many fans found this criticism puzzling, particularly given Kilman’s impressive showing throughout the season. The former Wolves player has been a rock at the back for the Hammers, marshalling the defense with poise and confidence. He has been one of West Ham’s most consistent performers and has played a crucial role in keeping the team competitive, even when their form has dipped.

Lopetegui’s decision to bring Kilman to West Ham was initially met with some skepticism, with many questioning whether the defender was worth the £40 million price tag. However, Kilman has since silenced his doubters with a string of commanding performances. He has helped solidify West Ham’s defense, and his presence has allowed the team to build from the back with confidence.

The criticism from Steinberg stands in stark contrast to the overwhelming praise Kilman has received from West Ham supporters. Many fans have taken to social media to express their admiration for the defender, with some even calling him one of the best center-backs in the Premier League. His composure on the ball, aerial ability, and reading of the game have all been highlighted as key strengths, making him a vital part of Lopetegui’s squad.

One of the more baffling aspects of Steinberg’s critique is that Kilman wasn’t even the weakest link in West Ham’s defense during the Fulham match. If any player deserved criticism for the draw, many fans argue, it was Konstantinos Mavropanos, who struggled at times to deal with Fulham’s attacking threats. Kilman, by contrast, was solid once again and helped the Hammers secure a valuable point in a difficult away fixture.

West Ham’s draw with Fulham was far from a perfect performance, and even the most ardent Hammers supporters would admit that they were fortunate to come away with a point. Fulham were the better side for much of the match, particularly in the first half, where they dominated possession and created the better chances. West Ham looked disjointed at times, with several players struggling to impose themselves on the game.

Lopetegui’s team selections have come under scrutiny in recent weeks, with some questioning his choices in key areas of the pitch. In the Fulham match, the decision to start Michail Antonio up front and Mavropanos at the back raised eyebrows among fans, many of whom were hoping to see new signings Jean-Clair Todibo and Crysencio Summerville given a chance. Additionally, Lopetegui opted to bench Lucas Paqueta, who had been struggling for form but is widely regarded as one of West Ham’s most talented players.

Paqueta’s omission was particularly surprising, given that he has been a key figure for the Hammers since joining the club for £51 million. Although his form has dipped in recent months, both at club and international level with Brazil, many expected him to start in such an important match. Instead, Tomas Soucek was chosen in his place, a decision that backfired when Soucek struggled to make an impact and was substituted at half-time.

Despite the team’s struggles, Danny Ings’ late goal salvaged a point for West Ham and helped to mask what was otherwise a lackluster performance. Ings, who has had limited opportunities this season, showed his clinical edge when it mattered most, converting a chance in the dying moments to secure the 1-1 draw.

For Lopetegui, the draw at Fulham was another reminder that West Ham remains a work in progress. The Spanish coach has been tasked with overhauling the squad and implementing a new philosophy, but it’s clear that the transition is taking time. The Hammers have undergone significant changes in personnel, with as many as 21 players either arriving or departing over the summer. As a result, Lopetegui has had to juggle integrating new signings while maintaining team cohesion, a challenge that has led to mixed results on the pitch.

Looking ahead, West Ham faces a tough schedule, with a midweek cup tie against Liverpool followed by a Premier League clash with Chelsea. Lopetegui will need to make sure his team is firing on all cylinders if they are to get results in these high-profile matches. The manager will also have to address the issues with his team selections, as some of his choices have clearly not paid off in recent games.

Max Kilman, however, will likely continue to be a key figure for West Ham moving forward. At 27, the defender is entering the prime of his career, and his performances this season suggest that he could be a long-term stalwart for the Hammers. Many fans believe that Kilman has the potential to become a club legend if he continues to perform at such a high level.

For now, Kilman remains one of West Ham’s standout players, and his £40 million transfer fee is looking more like a bargain with each passing game. While criticism from the likes of Jacob Steinberg may come and go, Kilman’s consistent performances speak for themselves. If he continues on this trajectory, it won’t be long before he’s being talked about as one of the best defenders in the Premier League.