Life in the Prem is a new high for Thilo
Hammers star loving challenge
WEST HAM defender Thilo Kehrer believes the Premier League is “a joy to play in” as he sets his sights on saving the Hammers’ season.
The German defender has had a rocky first six months in east London, with the Hammers facing a relegation battle.
Kehrer anticipated the struggles that could come his way following his summer transfer from Paris Saintgermain, but has been happy with his progress so far this campaign.
“I was always open to new challenges and things that would challenge me in a way that might be at risk of struggling,” Kehrer said. “I always knew that overcoming this would make me better as a player and I’d grow as a person as well. It has been the absolute right step.” It was only last season the 26-year-old was mixing it with some of the best players of this generation, with Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar part of PSG’S star-studded squad.
Training with some of the world’s best was an eye-opening experience for the German who moved to Paris at 21-years-old after graduating from German side Schalke’s famous Knappenschmiede academy.
Adventure
From playing for the most dominant club in their respective league to competing in the most demanding league in Europe was always going to be a tough ask, but Kehrer is adamant his French adventure put him in good stead for what England had to offer.
“Football wise, it’s some of the world’s best players, so the quality in football was huge, immense. They’re all hard to stop, but I don’t think anyone can keep up with Mbappe.
“He is one of the players that makes the difference in so many games, so it’s very difficult.
“The Premier League is different to Ligue 1, or the Bundesliga. It’s challenging every game and there’s so many high-quality players so it’s just a joy to play in.”
One such player the 24-cap Germany international will be tasked with keeping quiet today is Tottenham’s record goalscorer Harry Kane.
“He is right there with the top strikers in the world,” Kehrer added.
“He’s proven it for a lot of years now. If you’re only looking at the numbers and the stats you can’t deny he’s one of the top strikers.
“You need to be so awake and so focused against him. He is always going to try to find the space behind your back.”