Nathan Holland has warned Premier League 2 Division 2 clubs the Hammers are the scalp to claim but with 15 games undefeated under their belts no team will find it anything other than seriously tough.
Holland was the star of the show last night as the Hammers beat Middlesbrough 4-3, scoring one and providing assists for two more.
He has been in sensational form this season and is regularly being tipped for a first team call up although the little problem in the way is a fella called Anderson.
Like the Brazilian Nathan has that ability to beat men on either side and it’s going to be a fascinating prospect to consider whether he will force his way into the next Carabao Cup clash against Oxford on Wednesday night.
That is often seen as the early proving ground for young starlets but with Manu Pellegrini focused on a trophy this season he could choose to play as strong a first team squad team as he can field.
Holland was in electrifying form against Middlesbrough U23s on Friday night and told www.whufc.com: “The lads are buzzing. We’re on such a good run so to get another win under tough circumstances is a great feeling for the boys..
“We know that teams are going to put us under the cosh. Everyone wants to beat us at the minute because we’re in such good form, and that will make our job harder, but we have to just deal with it and, above all else, always find a way to win – like we did tonight.”
Holland has now registered three goals and four assists in seven competitive appearances for the U23s this season with a quarter of the league campaign gone.
The 21-year-old, who made his first-team debut against Bolton two years ago in the League Cup, recognised that he had enjoyed a fine individual match against Middlesbrough, but credited it to the backroom staff’s prior preparation.
He said: “We watched clips beforehand and we saw how they play. We looked at their weaknesses, and if you like, capitalised on those tonight.
“I was confident going into the match, tried to get at them throughout, and got my goal, but it was also an all-round great performance from us as a team.”
He added: “I think tonight was a mark of our character, and how we can dig points out under tricky circumstances.
“Tonight we were under pressure for several spells, but we switched it around, and to come out with three points again is brilliant. There’s room for improvement also, so hopefully we’ll just keep getting better.
“To go on a run like this isn’t easy, and with us switching the squad around too, with big players going on loan or out on international duty, everyone has to be doing well. It’s a really talented squad and the vibe around here is great too.”
I would like to see Holland on the bench for the United game and most certainly given a starting berth for the Oxford match. If Yarmolenko struggles against United then bring on Holland.