West Ham boss David Moyes may have the answer to his striker problems under his nose.
As the hunt goes on for a front man following Seb Haller’s departure from the club, an 18 year old – signed from Manchester United last year – made his first appearance on the bench at Stockport
Republic of Ireland under-17 international striker Mipo Odubeko managed 35 goals for the Old Trafford academy last season – an astonishing achievement at any level – before rejecting the offer of a new deal.
Obviously he felt he would have more chances with the Irons than at clubs where they may have been a plethora of front men.
That David Moyes elevated him into the first team squad for the match at Edgeley Park demonstrates the youngster is very much in his mind.
Odubeko was being tipped to make a breakthrough into the United first team over the next couple of years, and the widespread view was indeed that he believed he had a better chance of furthering his career elsewhere..
Among the clubs reported to fancy him were Feyenoord, Bayern Munich and Genoa but instead he arrived at the Hammers where our lack of central strikers represents a potentially excellent opportunity for him and Moyes.
The Independent reported when he left OT that it was a blow to United’s youth academy, with the teenager viewed as one of the brightest stars in the club’s junior ranks
Newcastle and Burnley were also being linked with a move to Odubeko.
I’m a dreamer – wouldn’t it be fabulous if, once again, we elevated a young player to the very top? Proper West Ham which I first witnessed in the 60’s but didnt realise what I was seeing other than excitement. Now, a few years older (!), I would love to see it. COYI
Maybe in 2 years, give him some time.
He’s not good enough yet to carry this team playing one up front. It could ruin him.
How does anyone know other than Moyes
If he is good enough he is old enough?
I am Moyes will do his best to bring him up to Premier League levels.
If he turns out to be as good as everyone is saying he is then lets get him on the subs bench for the next game and get him some game time
Exactly. Give him a run if possible.
Some you win, some you lose. We lost Ngakia to Watford last season but now have the next best striker the country will see in Odubeko. It has been a long time since we had a striker come through the ranks (Defoe the last one?), so am looking forward to see how this young lad performs.
He has looked good when I have watched him, pacey direct and knows where the goal is, can score from distance also. Hard to say whether he can step up to the first team but might as well try and give him some minutes and see whether or not he takes off.
We won’t see him again if we sign another striker. Young promising players come to West Ham, flounder in the U23’s then get sold
Sorry to hear that
Maybe this is why we are only (supposedly) looking at one striker to come in, when you’d think we needed two. Another year or so and he may, hopefully, be ready to play a part
Maybe we don’t urgently need the extra or vital influx of top-class attackers that so many seem to think. It was inconceivable that we would sell or give away Haller before having lined up a couple of replacements.
It looks more likely that we have a management team taking a more considered look at building a side for results today and into the future. Even if Odubeko turns out to be sensational, he will need time and knowledgeable handling to be useful to us. In the mean time, we might like to make use of the squad we have ready for today. Pigeonholing our players to single roles and positions restricts their potential. Not saying that we should give Aaron Cresswell a try in goals, but Michail Antonio joined as a winger to provide for our front man, then became a proficient full back. When our proper full back returned – Antonio went back to the bench. He re-emerged as half-back, left wing, right wing & number 10. A dream player. He is brilliant as the main man up front too. It might just be that we already have the players we crave. Just need to put them in place and back them with confidence.
COYI
This is the same Moyes that gave a certain Wayne Rooney his debut at what, 16? That turned out OK.
If this kid is good enough I think the manager will know how to bring him on.
Would love it but still think we need another CF with Antonios injuries. Milo was sour after when we got from Man U & had great score there & counties to score the goals. Hope to see him on Bench again & hopefully start getting 15-20mins gradually introduce him into solid team like we did Grady.