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Forgotten £13m man’s West Ham spell could be as good as finished if he doesn’t start against Backa Topola
West Ham face Backa Topola in the Europa League today, and Thilo Kehrer will almost certainly be granted a start.
The West Ham vs. Backa Topola Europa League matchup will provide David Moyes with an excellent opportunity to give his peripheral players, such as Thilo Kehrer, game time.
The 27-year-old German defender joined West Ham from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2022 for roughly £13 million.
He got off to a rocky start with the Hammers, but his form improved dramatically in the second part of last season.
He has, however, taken a back seat this season, with only 18 minutes of Premier League action coming from three late replacement appearances (Transfermarkt).
Kehrer’s future appears gloomy, as he was extensively linked with a move away from West Ham in the summer. With that in mind, he’ll be thinking that if Moyes doesn’t play him tonight in what should be our easiest group game, his time in East London could be over…
Kehrer surely in line to start for West Ham vs Backa Topola
Moyes will undoubtedly ring the changes for the Europa League Group A game tonight.
Vladimir Coufal could do with a rest, having played all five Premier League games so far this season, as well as representing his country.
And the Backa Topola duel will be the ideal chance for Moyes to give Kehrer a start at right-back.
The Germany international is unquestionably better playing there than at center-back; his mistakes just don’t seem to be as costly.
The fact is, Kehrer is a very talented player on his day – you don’t get 27 caps for Germany unless you are. He only needs to focus on getting rid of the silly mistakes in his game, and I’m confident he’ll be a key player for us.
However, if Moyes doesn’t start Kehrer for West Ham against Backa Topola, it will send out a strong message that the 27-year-old is not wanted or needed by the Scot anymore.
