West Ham United’s £33 million signing, Thilo Kehrer, has endured a mixed spell since arriving at the London Stadium. The German defender has struggled to cement a regular starting place under David Moyes, often finding himself on the fringes of the squad. However, a recent tactical shift at the international level could breathe new life into his club career.
A New Role for Kehrer?
Kehrer, traditionally a center-back or right-back, was deployed in an unfamiliar defensive midfield role for Germany during the latest international break. This experiment proved to be a masterstroke, with the 27-year-old showcasing composure on the ball, tactical awareness, and defensive solidity—qualities that could make him invaluable to West Ham.
His ability to break up play, distribute the ball efficiently, and provide an extra layer of protection to the defense caught the attention of fans and analysts alike.
What This Means for His West Ham Future
With new manager Julen Lopetegui taking charge, squad changes are inevitable. Kehrer’s adaptability could be his ticket to redemption at West Ham, especially given the club’s need for depth in midfield following Declan Rice’s departure last summer.
Here’s how this positional switch could work in his favor:
Solving Midfield Issues – West Ham lacks a natural defensive midfielder beyond Edson Álvarez. Kehrer could offer a versatile backup option or even form a double pivot in certain matches.
Tactical Flexibility – Lopetegui values adaptable players who can switch roles mid-game. Kehrer’s ability to seamlessly transition between defense and midfield could make him indispensable.
More Playing Time – If he impresses in this role, he could force his way back into the starting XI, revitalizing his career at West Ham.
A Turning Point?
Kehrer’s career in claret and blue has been underwhelming so far, but this tactical evolution presents an opportunity. If he embraces this new role and thrives under Lopetegui, he could transform from a squad player into a key asset for the Hammers.
Could this positional tweak be the lifeline Kehrer needs to reignite his West Ham career? Time will tell—but the signs are promising.