“Don’t pay too much attention to the friendlies” is a familiar caution which is especially true in a World Cup year. West Ham have several players still on late returns after their summer efforts but, notably, no ‘international’ defenders to slot into the squad ahead of the Championship kick off next month.
Maximilian Kilman was the only senior defender on show against Stevenage with Dinos Mavropanos rested.
Step forward Airidas Golambeckis. Preferred to the more experienced Kaelan Casey. Clearly Nuno has ‘put his faith‘ in the young defender, according to Sam Tabuteau in the standard.co.uk:
“The England youth international’s quality in possession helped West Ham dominate, and he played an important role in ensuring standards did not slip after Nuno rang the changes.
Ready for a first team call up this season? Airidas Golambeckis
After being promoted to the first team last season, Golambeckis will be hoping his pre-season form can see him push for a senior debut this term.”
Which would be no mean feat at just 18 and with ‘senior’ youths Kaelan Casey and Ezra Mayers seemingly ahead of him in the pecking order.
Golambeckis did land badly on his ankle against Stevenage so may not be risked tomorrow against Rangers. It would be good to see the young man get some serious game time in the – albeit friendly – match at Ibrox Park.
Against Stevenage he did not let Nuno down, and looked comfortable alongside Max Kilman – no mean feat in itself.
A senior debut in the coming season would raise both raise supporter morale and save the club a few million quid in the transfer window with no requirement to bring in a fourth centre back once Todibo is sold: One will be essential ,but with Golambeckis looking increasingly capable, he might just sneak into the squad as their fourth choice for the Championship.
Which would be remarkable given his age and limited experience.