Carlton Cole compares Dinos Mavropanos to John Terry after West Ham turnaround

The 28-year-old has been one of the best central defenders in the Premier League in 2026, drawing widespread praise.

Mavropanos has now been compared to arguably the greatest defender in Premier League history for one key attribute.

Have you ever seen a turnaroud as dramatic as Dinos? ⚽ ⚽ 🇬🇷

Dinos Mavropanos explains John Terry-like set-piece dominance

Cole and Mavropanos recently discussed West Ham’s improvement under Nuno, especially at set pieces.

Mavropanos’ aerial dominance in both boxes has been a key aspect of several of the Hammers’ impressive results.

The Greek international has scored headed goals against Manchester City and Wolves in the last six weeks.

Cole named John Terry and James Collins as the only two players he has seen with an aerial threat similar to Mavropanos’.

“The only other player I remember who was as good as you… I’ll actually name two: John Terry, whom I played with, and Ginger (James Collins).

“You guys have a ball magnet, so it comes to your head. It’s a skill,” the former Hammers striker admitted on the Iron Cast Podcast.

Mavropanos also explained how he has become more impactful from set pieces during Nuno’s tenure at the club.

“I really think now I understand better the players who take the set pieces,” he said. “It’s a little bit of timing and feeling, and I just try to go to every single ball, so it’s a mix of everything.”

He continued: Nuno puts a lot of emphasis on this, especially on set pieces, because it’s a moment that can change the game and is really important…

“To be honest, I love heading the ball, too! “I don’t know; maybe the ball has a magnet on me.”

Mavropanos will need to continue in the same vein if West Ham are to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

He could face physical strikers in each of the Hammers’ four remaining fixtures (Brentford, Arsenal, Newcastle and Leeds).