Pic via www.whufc.com
By Hughie Southon
West Ham’s flourishing academy is once again set to save the Irons money in the transfer window with central defender Jamal Baptiste being eyed for first team opportunities.
The 18 year old is seen by manager David Moyes as a very serious prospect indeed and looks all set to follow Declan Rice and Ben Johnson as a break through star.
Speculation that Moyes may be ready to hit the January transfer window for a central defender following the injury to Angelo Ogbonna may well be very premature as a result.
Instead, we have learned that with Craig Dawson and Issa Diop available as likely first team starters the manager see Baptiste as the next in line to make his squad presence felt.
And he looks likely to get his chance in the FA Cup competition as he bids to show what he is all about.
He made first appearance in the competition last season against Doncaster Rovers and was very impressive.
His former academy director and ClaretandHugh blogger Terry Westley has long declared that he will became a massive player for the club.
Would love to see Ron Johnson in West Ham’s first team, Hugh. Any idea what he’s been up to since, ahem, Miami Vice finished?!
LOL LOL. One of many senior moments LJD
Great to take advantage of our developing Academy boys, after all that’s what they are there for!
Stick him in for when we play Sunderland in the EFL Cup.
Jamal looks the real deal just like Ben and Declan . The level headed maturity of their play makes them stand out along with good basics without flashy tricks. Very excited for Ben and Jamal.
The way that Moyes has kept Jamal close to the first-team squad and also included on match days, is a clear indication of how highly he is rated not only by Moyes but by the whole first-team squad. This was plain to see when he was encouraged to lift the Betway Cup Trophy after our victory against Atalanta.
With Dawson and Diop able enough to be used as cover, to bring in a short-term replacement for Ogbonna could become an obstacle in Jamal’s path towards progression to the first-team.