5 West Ham Youth Players who should play v Accrington
With two disappointing defeats in a row, this League cup game is big. Not in terms of the game in itself, but as a chance to get back to basics. With a decent crowd expected, can West Ham use it as a chance to boost morale?
Ashley Fletcher
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 17: West Ham United’s Ashley Fletcher during the Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and West Ham United at The Hawthorns on September 17, 2016 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Rob Newell/CameraSport via Getty Images)
From what I’ve seen so far from him, he’s a goal away from me declaring him the best striker at the club. He holds the ball well, is quick and looks to know where the goal is. Zaza and Calleri don’t look sharp. And how close to fitness is Carroll?
Games like this could give him a great confidence boost going forward. When he joined three club, I’m sure this is the kind of match he envisaged playing regularly due to the potential striking options we have in front of him.
If he doesn’t play now he may start wondering why he’s not out on loan. Game time can only be a good thing for a young striker
Toni Martinez
ROMFORD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 19: Toni Martinez of West Ham United during Training at Rush Green on August 19, 2016 in Romford, England. (Photo by Arfa Griffiths/West Ham United via Getty Images)
The man is on fire. Yes he may only be playing in youth games, but what else can the man do? As commentators love to say, what can you do except for beat those in front of you?
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With seven goals in six youth games, a game against Accrington could be heat for the young Spaniard, and be the prefect way to introduce him to both the fans and the stadium in a less pressured environment.
He can play up top on his own, or as one of a partnership, and I think Martinez and Fletcher up top together could be too much for Accrington. If we keep the ball moving and get good service, these two will finish the chances.
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It doesn’t even need to be great service. Just look at Martinez’s goal of the month from August!
Reece Oxford
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 13: Reece Oxford of West Ham United during training at London Stadium on September 13, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Avril Husband/West Ham United via Getty Images)
Some will say he’s not really a youth player any more, but he still is. He’s under 18 and doesn’t get regular game time in the first team, so he’s a youth player. Whether he still should be is a different argument.
I still think you can argue he’s a good enough defender to be playing regularly in the premier league, especially when our defence is performing as poorly as it is right now. He certainly isn’t going to make it any worse.
He shouldn’t be troubled against Accrington as their strikers will be fairly one dimensional. They’re certainly not going to be Lukaku standard. He can hold his own against any lower league striker I’ve seen, but he needs games.
A game at the Olympic stadium would be great for him, and could show Slaven that he us the answer to our defensive issues in the league. He’s certainly the defender we need for the future. Can he do it now?
Domingos Quina
DAGENHAM, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 09: Domingos Quina of West Ham United in action during the PL2 match between West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Chigwell Construction Stadium on September 9, 2016 in Dagenham, England. (Photo by Arfa Griffiths/West Ham United via Getty Images)
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Another promising player signed this year, the young Portuguese player was released by Chelsea. When we signed him David Sullivan made it clear that this was the signing he was most excited about. Especially considering the long term.
The dynamic midfielder could be used anywhere centrally or even figure out wide. His quick feet and accurate passing should make him a definite consideration for a match like this.
Bilic may be wary of his physical stature, but he needs to learn how to deal with that. Accrington are certainly not going to be nice, but nor are any Premier League sides when these players make the jump. This could be the perfect time to introduce them to this physicality.
Edimilson Fernandes
DAGENHAM, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 09: Edimilson Fernandes of West Ham United in action during the PL2 match between West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Chigwell Construction Stadium on September 9, 2016 in Dagenham, England. (Photo by Arfa Griffiths/West Ham United via Getty Images)
The young Swiss midfielder signed on the day we got knocked out of Europa, and is yet to feature in any capacity for the first team. Given his age and relative unknown ability many assumed he was a youth signing. However it seems Bilic rates him very highly, and wants to use him.
Given the lack of Europa League football this is the match he must have been noting as his first chance. Central midfield is a position we have a lot of players in, so top flight games may be hard to come by.
Given his more defensive nature than Quina that could be a good pairing, but maybe a bit too youthful. Could we see a midfield three with Quina, Fernandez and a more experienced hand? Obiang hasn’t been seen for a while!
Are there any young players you’d like to see play? Or none of them? Let us know below!
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