West Ham senior player labelled a 'big problem' after defeat vs Millwall - 'he's really struggling'

Max Kilman was targeted for criticism as West Ham United drew 2-2 with Millwall at The Den on Saturday.

The Irons came from behind, with strikes from Mohamadou Kante and Konstantinos Mavropanos cancelling out Caleb Taylor and Camiel Neghli's goals.

The defeat puts a run of four consecutive Championship wins to an end for the Hammers, with Alex Neil's side closing the gap between them to just one point.

Kilman has enacted a career revival at West Ham this season, having been removed from the team for much of the last campaign.

The 29-year-old made just 21 Premier League appearances, failing to feature on the pitch in a league game after the end of January.

The former Wolves man has played every minute across all competitions this season, but Saturday was a reminder of his weaknesses.

Paul Parker rips into Max Kilman

Kilman's blushes would eventually be saved, but the first half was a damaging one for the centre-back.

The 29-year-old was often caught out one-versus-one and showed a lack of awareness in the build up to both Millwall goals, which came from throw-ins.

The second saw Neghli creep behind Kilman, who had been sucked towards the ball and missed it entirely.

With the defender surpassed, the Millwall man was free to simply control it and fire into the net to double the lead.

Kilman's passing was a significant problem, too. He misplaced eight of his passes overall, and was off the mark with all six of his attempted long passes.

Speaking to BBC Radio London, Paul Parker said: "It's such nervous moments for West Ham at the moment.

"Every time Kilman is one-on-one, he is really struggling, it's a big problem."

Nuno Espirito Santo may make similar decision

Kilman has managed to change Nuno Espirito Santo's mind at West Ham this season, but his position is certainly not safe.

There had been some suspicion that the defender would never play again under the Portuguese boss, such was the trust lost between the two.

After making that decision once, it is not out of the question that Nuno will come to the same conclusion once more.

Kilman's position is unlikely to have been put in danger by Saturday's display, but similar mistakes could prove detrimental to his West Ham future.