Since taking over West Ham United in September 2025, Nuno Espirito Santo has seen his fair share of ups and downs with the squad. His biggest disappointment being he has not been able to get his squad above relegation. Until recently, the Hammers even seemed to have lost the fight to stay up this season. Additionally, the sudden departure of Lucas Paqueta, issues with squad morale and confidence, AFCON absences, and runs of form that at times looked destined for the Championship - there has been plenty of turbulence for Nuno in his first five months in charge. Now having seen some success as a squad, following four wins in five matches across all competitions, the Hammers can regain some hope as they head into the final half of the season.
As Nuno continues to bring 'balance' to the squad, there have been some glaring weaknesses in the ranks. The two players who most notably have seen a dip in form since Nuno has taken over are Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Max Kilman.
Has Aaron Wan-Bissaka regressed?
It was this time last year when Hammer of the Year talks began, an award he later would go on to win. He capped 2025 with two goals, five assists, 70 tackles, ~ 61 interceptions, and ~ 116 clearances. Despite strong performances against Burnley and Sunderland, it does feel he has taken a step back. What are the reasons for a dip in form? Was it his focus on AFCON? Has Nuno deployed him in the wrong way?
Wan-Bissaka switched his international allegiance from England to the Democratic Republic of Congo in August 2025, allowing him to play in AFCON this past January. Coincidentally, this period represented the only real opportunity for Nuno to bring in his strikers and "rebalance the squad" as he had said. As soon as they arrived, though, so did the function of the squad, as West Ham finally had a balanced attack and midfield. For AWB, though, this made it more difficult as the squad was building familiarity and chemistry with their new attack, while he was on international duty at AFCON. Wan-Bissaka hasn't regressed; he was just introduced in the middle of the process and is catching up.
Secondly, the role Nuno has AWB is playing in isn't one that necessarily relies on his strengths. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is best known as an elite one-on-one defender, especially in recovery situations. He is great against dribblers, but not exactly a dribbler himself. Now under Nuno, he is asked to stay wide, receive the ball earlier, and progress play rather than react. He hasn't done poorly; on the contrary, really, in his recent game against Burnley, he ended with a 7.7 FotMob score and denied an attempt from close range. Even when asked to stay higher and wider up the pitch, he still finds ways to be effective. He was never really known for his cross or ability to make plays offensively, which is why it can seem like he isn't doing much in this new role. But in reality, he allows for the attackers to stay narrow, provides an outlet to recycle possession, and all while still maintaining his defensive responsibilities along the right side.
What has happened to Max Kilman?
For Kilman, things haven't always gone smoothly. Albeit, this time last year, he was a lot more consistent than the player we see now. But it really seems now every time he comes on to the pitch, all West Ham fans hold their breath and brace themselves for what they are about to see. Leaving us all scratching our heads at the £40 million West Ham paid Wolves for him in the 2024 summer transfer window. Kilman had some success at Wolves, but it was more of a great partnership than a stellar individual performance. Now, under Nuno, he is asked to do more than he can, and it shows. Which is why, for West Ham, Kilman seems to be the wrong player, in the wrong structure, at the wrong time.
At Wolves, Kilman set up in a back three with constant cover. The other two centerbacks next to him were physically strong and aerially dominant, which allowed him to step into possession - his strongsuit. Kilman is a possession-based CB, calm on the ball, and helps with circulation. But in a team fighting relegation and regularly setting up in a back four with two center-backs, Kilman has been exposed. At West Ham, Kilman is asked to defend space, win first contact, and be sound defending in the box. All of which are Kilman's weaknesses. It also appears Nuno has realized that Kilman isn't suited to play in any other formation than a back three; he hasn't played in any other formation since early 2026. Even with Jean-Clair Todibo missing matches due to his red card against Chelsea, Nuno opted for Axel Disasi, who had just gotten to West Ham only five days prior and hadn't played in over a year. What's even more interesting than Kilman not playing was that it was our second clean sheet of the season, leaving more doubt on Kilman's ability to help the squad.
As West Ham moves into the final stretch of the season, survival may depend less on individual redemption arcs and more on tactical clarity. For Nuno, the challenge is aligning roles with realities. The reality for Aaron Wan-Bissaka means getting more familiar with his role in attack and continuing to find rhythm after his absence during AFCON. Now with Kilman, his reality has already been clearly defined; he is out of the starting 11 and only plays when we're in a back three. I suspect Nuno will only use him as cover until the club is able to sell him off in the summer. Nevertheless, it appears West Ham and Nuno have found form and a tactical identity to build off of as the Hammers look to avoid relegation.