Manager Moyes handed the 18-year-old Divin Mubama a call-up to the team in the second half of the Brentford game with half an hour or so to go
Perhaps it is a testament to the teenager’s quality, or more accurately, the lack of it shown by West Ham’s starting XI that he immediately added more pace, strength, tenacity to the team.
He helped the forward line in the final third, despite having only played a staggering three Premier League minutes prior to Sunday’s loss. I had to look that up twice !
In his brief cameo Mubama provided one of West Ham’s three key passes, two of his four aerial duels and was a thorn in the side of the Bees defence.
Although he did top the charts for most fouls committed, they were all challenges that showed his pace, desire to press and dedication to graft. At times, he was even instructing his teammates to join him in pressing.
I really think that Mubama should be part of the squad travelling to Holland on Thursday. He has enormous potential – indeed perhaps more than potential!.
It is difficult to deny that he has come of age.
By Simon Leyland
He’s got potential clearly for an 18 year old otherwise Moyes wouldn’t be playing him in the premier league at the same age as Rice made his debut. As we know though Rice was exceptional. The lad has done well for the youth team he needs to be patient now and take his opportunities.