There were several absentees from the series of friendlies which started yesterday – and so the conclusions that we can draw from these games are limited. Without Paqueta, Bowen, Antonio, Alvarez, Soucek, Areola and Coufal, West Ham’s team sheet looks unfamiliar. Barring disasters many of those elevated to ‘starting’ status yesterday and over the coming weeks will see precious little, if any game time.
However the Academy stand-ins ( by which I mean existing players or graduates from the West Ham Academy) performed well and illustrated the strength of West Ham’s future, provided these players are nurtured and feel there is a route forward into the senior squad for those who excel. In the first half, the trio of Kodua, Orford and Potts showed energy and enterprise. Potts stayed on for the bulk of the second half – can we read anything into this?
Marshall, Earthy, Kelly and Casey were introduced at the start, or during the second half as nine changes were made at the break and without squad lists and decent commentary it became quite a challenge to pick out who was where. George Earthy was noticeable for his enterprise, showing considerably more energy than some of his senior colleagues in 30 degree heat. Quite clearly there were a few who were out to impress and try to get noticed.
Reasons to be optimistic
The overall impression was of greater energy after half time: The introduction of Ings with his trademark crouched over-running style helped nurture the sense of urgency. One swallow does not make a West Ham Summer but again, here was someone who seemed to have more than most to achieve. Ings has never been at the top of many lists of Hammers’ favourites but perhaps he really does sense a new opportunity under Lopetegui.
What is clear is the strength in depth of those on the next rung down the ladder below the first team squad. Whilst several will be going out on loan, the enthusiasm and energy shown by the ‘Academy’ players hints at a determination to develop rather than just to ‘plug the gaps’ left by the International absentees.
Perhaps – it is too early to tell – they feel energised by the new Head Coach’s approach and consider that they have a better chance of developing within the club with a more likely pathway into senior football if they are good enough. Maybe it is just wishful thinking on my part but I’ll be watching on with interest as the friendly season evolves: Divin Mubama featured heavily in last Summer’s friendlies and then virtually disappeared without trace.
Of course, regime change could offer more opportunities: Without speaking direct to George Earthy and co. to ask them whether they are more enthusiastic about their Claret and Blue futures, I’ll just have to wait and see.
Our 2 weakest players in the game were Fabianski and Cresswell, both been great servants at the club but we should have moved on in the summer
Remember our lost generation, Joe Cole Rio Ferdinand Michael Carrick Glen Johnson and Jermain Defoe just to mention a few. This generation could be of things to come.. Long live the Academy of Football Long live WHU…C.O.Y.I…
Watched the match. A lot of positives to take from it.
The future is looking bright….The future is Claret & Blue..!!😃
Agree, David, for a first match. Compared with our opponents who are facing a CL qualifier next week and weeks ahead of us.