Dinos Mavropanos and Crysencio Summerville were teammates at West Ham United. They played 46 times together for the Hammers. However, after the relegation from the Premier League, Summerville transferred to Al-Hilal.
Summerville was linked with top European clubs, but the financial offer from the Saudi Pro League side was too good. He has played nine times for Al-Hilal, scoring twice and making three assists. However, he was sent off in their last AFC Champions League match, which will result in a ban.
Playing in the Saudi Pro League could have affected Summerville's chances of playing for the Netherlands. Their former boss, Ronald Koeman, was very opposed to his players competing in the division. However, new Netherlands manager Xavi has called up not just Summerville but Tijjani Reijnders of Al-Qadsiah too.
The former West Ham player has started both of the Netherlands' Nations League games so far this international break. They drew 1-1 with Germany before defeating Serbia 2-1. Summerville won the penalty kick from which Mexx Meerdink scored his first goal against the Serbs.
The Netherlands take on Greece tomorrow night in Thessaloniki. Mavropanos has been in fine form for Greece, helping them defeat Serbia 2-1 and Germany 1-0. The West Ham player must be on a real high after scoring the equaliser against Millwall just before the international break.
Dinos Mavropanos is in form for club and country
Mavropanos has been a goal threat this season, scoring four goals in seven Championship games so far. He also set up Morato's goal in a defeat to Fulham in the EFL Cup. His defensive displays for West Ham could be improved upon, but he has earned many plaudits for his performance against the Germans recently.
The centre-back won Hammer of the Year last season, and fans were worried that he too could depart the club. Mavropanos was linked with Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen and Arsenal over the summer. However, he ended up staying with the Hammers.
Many clubs will have taken note of Mavropanos' form this international break. There could be interest in Mavropanos in January. However, it is crucial that the Hammers hold on to him. Max Kilman looks back to confidence alongside Mavropanos.
Morato is at West Ham on loan from Nottingham Forest with an option to buy. However, he has been deployed more as a left-back than a centre-back so far for the Hammers. West Ham also have the England Under-20 pair of Airidas Golambeckis and Ezra Mayers as centre-back options.
There are continued rumours that Dylan Lawlor of Cardiff City and Wales remains a target for West Ham. Hammers fans will hope that Lawlor will be brought in to play alongside Mavropanos rather than as a replacement for him.
Mavropanos dealt with the Germans very well recently, but now comes up against Summerville and co. West Ham fans will want to see the Greek international get the better of their former player. However, they will also be hoping that no clubs will be sniffing around their star defender.
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