Catching the eye yesterday for his goal was Scot Andy Irving: Voted man of the match, the Scot is starting to make waves ahead of the Florida tour. Despite zero exposure by the WHUFC publicity machine who overlooked his arrival at London Stadium, the talented left footed 23 year old from Edinburgh is creating his own splash.
One other midfielder notable for his efficiency yesterday in a quieter, less flamboyant but solid performance was Hammers’ teenager Lewis Orford. Seeking to build on hard work so far, the lifelong Hammers fan has been part of the club since the age of 5 years old and is already a FA Youth Cup winner.
Orford played 45 minutes in last week’s game against Ferencvaros and an hour in yesterday’s friendly versus Dagenham and Redbridge and has definite ambitions to break into the first team this year: After ten appearances on the substitutes’ bench in all competitions, the youngster is excited to be included in the squad to travel to the USA.
“I’ve grown a lot physically over recent months and years- and now I’m at the stage where I think I’m ready for the first team‘ he said to whufc.com .
‘I loved seeing George and Kalean get their debuts in the Premier League last year, but I thought I was a bit unlucky not to get mine, but I’m in a good position now to get these opportunities going forward, especially with a new Head Coach having come in.‘
Lifting the lid on Julen Lopetegui’s philosophy – which we highlighted earlier today – Orford confirmed ‘ He ( Lopetegui) likes to keep the ball a lot and switch it from one side to the other, which is a big part of my play’.
Great to hear that J’Lo has the team playing in a new style as we hoped, but also that ambitious Academy players can see themselves moving ahead with a pathway into the senior squad.
Orford explained further: ‘Out of possession he wants us to be aggressive, which I think suits me as well. Off the pitch I’ve enjoyed having chats with him and getting to know him, and I’m thankful for the chances he’s giving me. It’s just about taking them now‘.
This can only be a good, positive framework for younger squad members and one which can nurture the best of West Ham’s current crop. It also serves to confirm first thoughts about Julen Lopetegui’s desire for West Ham United to play more aggressive, possession-based football. A great ambition to be developed against much tougher opposition in the coming weeks; Hopefully Lewis will continue to progress towards that senior squad debut. As he sums up:
‘The goal has always been to play for West Ham. That will continue, and hopefully in the US I can make some more steps towards making that happen.”