David Moyes, the former West Ham United manager, seems to have played a significant role in the underwhelming spell of Thilo Kehrer at the London Stadium.
Kehrer joined the Hammers from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2022 for a fee reported to be around £10 million. The German international arrived with high expectations, but his time in East London never lived up to the hype.
What frustrated fans and observers most was that Kehrer clearly had potential. His abilities were evident, and his reputation even attracted late interest from Bayern Munich during the 2023 summer transfer window.
However, he stayed with West Ham at the time, only to be loaned out to Monaco during the January window. That temporary move became permanent a few months later, with Monaco paying around £9.4 million for the defender’s services.
Since arriving in Ligue 1, Kehrer has thrived. In fact, the 28-year-old has emerged as one of Europe’s standout defenders this season, underlining just how wasted his time at West Ham was.
Kehrer’s Impressive Form at Monaco:
Kehrer’s performances for Monaco have been nothing short of remarkable. Across his first five Ligue 1 appearances, he has averaged 2.8 tackles, 5.2 clearances, and 2.2 aerial duels won per game.
On the ball, he has been equally impressive, averaging 62.4 passes per match with a 90.4% completion rate, according to WhoScored. His influence has extended into the Champions League, where he has been equally solid at the back.
This transformation in form is a stark contrast to his inconsistent displays at West Ham. Kehrer is now oozing confidence and composure for Monaco—qualities rarely seen during his time in East London.
Kehrer Hints at Moyes’s Role in His Struggles:
In an interview with BILD (print edition, October 16th), Kehrer offered insight into why he failed to find his feet at West Ham. The German defender suggested that playing in a fixed position—centre-back—has been key to his resurgence.
“Being flexible is a strength. But for me it is very helpful to have a fixed position in the centre. That is when I am at my best,” Kehrer explained.
He also highlighted the importance of managerial trust in his performances, adding: “A number of things come together. Self-confidence, playing time, trust from the club, coach and teammates.”
It’s evident that Kehrer felt his opportunities at West Ham were hindered by Moyes’s decision to deploy him predominantly at right-back, where his impact was limited despite his speed.
A Wasted Opportunity at West Ham:
Kehrer’s experience at West Ham was disappointing, but it wasn’t without occasional glimpses of his quality.
One of his standout moments came in the 2023 Europa Conference League final, when he was introduced as a centre-back, replacing Kurt Zouma with 30 minutes remaining. That performance hinted at what could have been had he been consistently utilised in his preferred role.
However, Moyes’s reluctance to play him at centre-back became a source of frustration. Kehrer’s exclusion from the starting XI during the latter part of his West Ham stint has raised eyebrows, with many feeling that the decision was both harsh and unnecessary.
Kehrer’s time in East London wasn’t entirely without fault—his concentration and positional discipline were often lacking, and he could be rash in the challenge. Yet, the root of those issues may lie in the fact that he was rarely given the chance to settle in his natural position.
A Case of What Could Have Been:
Kehrer’s resurgence at Monaco has left many wondering what might have been had he been properly utilised at West Ham. His current form in Ligue 1 highlights the defender’s potential and serves as a reminder of how valuable he could have been for the Hammers.
West Ham may now be ruing their decision to let Kehrer go, particularly given the value he could have added as cover for defenders like Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo.
Ultimately, the German has made it clear that his struggles in East London were largely down to Moyes’s management. His words in the BILD interview suggest that a lack of trust and misuse in the wrong position stifled his development at the club.
In hindsight, Kehrer’s time at West Ham feels like a missed opportunity. His performances at Monaco are proving just how good he can be, and it’s hard not to feel that the Hammers wasted a player with genuine talent.
What a shame, indeed.