Conor Coventry is ready to make a serious impact in the Hammers midfield this season.
Most fans have been right behind the academy product as he has strived to show himself as a first team player and he could hardly have done more on his appearances in pre-season.
The 22 year old has looked business and almost set up a goal for Jarrod Bowen against Lens in the final friendly of the season with a superb piece of creativity.
He also looks to have added some steel to his game as he appears to have put himself firmly in the running for squad inclusion.
Indeed it would probably come as a shock to most were he not to as he has shown real ability to provide the sort of creativity which has often been missing form the team.
And talking to www.whufc.com he has explained his ambitions after spending the last couple of seasons out on loan.
Discussing the Lens game he said: “I enjoyed it when I came on. It’s good to play in a foreign stadium packed with fans and against a really strong side, so I really enjoyed it when I came on and hopefully I can get some more minutes.”
He was sorry he couldn’t have done a bit more to help Jarrod score adding: “I could have done a bit more, but that’s what I’ve got to do. I’ve got to look forward and to pass forward as that’s what the gaffer wants us to do and that’s something I’d say I like to do and a strength of mine, so I’m always looking for it, so it was good.”
“I feel like I’m ready. I’ve spent some time away from the Club [on loan] and it’s made me miss the Club even more and want to be here even more. I feel like I’m ready and I’ve been here so long and all I want to do is play here. Whenever the gaffer needs me I’m ready and hopefully I can get a chance.
” I feel a lot older, a lot more mature and a lot more ready and I think I’m training well. Obviously it’s a higher level. This is a team that came seventh in the best league in the world last year, so it’s a massive level, but I feel like I’m there, like I’m ready and I’ve just been really enjoying it.”
Coventry might think he’s ready but does Moyes think he’s ready? By Coventrys age Rice had already been playing in our first team for several years. Unfortunately for Coventry that’s now the standard he has to live up to. He’s in a good place though I think. Hes going to have a career as a professional footballer even if it’s only at championship level. I’d say Coventry is on a par with Josh Cullen. There won’t be premier league clubs fighting over his signature but there’s always a chance if he works really hard at his game and grows and develops he could get there eventually.
Not sure he can do much more than demonstrate to Moyes – something I think he’s done. Even if he gets 6 months in the squad with a view to reviewing in January…
Coventry has a great attitude, like Cullen, plays in the style of West Ham hopefully he gets some chances and takes them, players like him that love the club are priceless.