West Ham will regret Bobby Thomas deal even more as eye-opening stats emerge

West Ham United's squad could have been much stronger had Nils Koppen added another star defender to the squad.

Just a few months ago, supporters never would have expected Max Kilman's revival at the London Stadium, but he's now the primary partner to Konstantinos Mavropanos.

Still, the Hammers are showing weaknesses at the back, sitting third in the Championship table after the 1-1 draw with QPR on Friday, 9 October.

Despite the poor start, Nuno Espirito Santo's side are still expected to win promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

West Ham are even expected to lift the league title, but as many know, England's second tier is anything but simple, even for the East London outfit.

While Morato was signed on loan from Nottingham Forest, he's been forced to feature as a full-back. He's not been as bad as many expected.

West Ham failed in bid to sign Bobby Thomas

It should be a defensive back-four capable of breezing through the Championship this season, but West Ham must have regrets.

Mick Brown told Football Insider in May that Bobby Thomas could quit Coventry City, despite their promotion to the Premier League.

The Hammers attempted to prise him away from the CBS Arena, but any moves were batted away by Frank Lampard and his team during the summer.

Undoubtedly, Thomas would have been perfect for Nuno's squad, but instead, he's starring for Coventry in England's top flight.

As the Sky Blues claimed victory against Newcastle United on Monday, 12 October, the 25-year-old was an absolute colossus at the back.

According to Opta, he is the only Premier League player to make over 50 clearances in the Premier League this term, with 16 alone against Newcastle.

Premier League clubs surely lining up star defender

If Coventry are to secure Premier League safety this season, Thomas will be a huge reason for it. West Ham will have to watch and admire from afar.

Mavropanos has been just as impressive in the Championship, but alongside Kilman, the Hammers' defence is far from rock-solid.

Premier League rivals are likely keeping a close eye on Thomas' performances, so it might be too late for West Ham to revive a deal now.

Even without him, the Hammers should be able to win promotion, but it is far less certain with a defensive duo of Mavropanos and Kilman.