West Ham youngster Louie Watson is hoping to win a professional contract and follow in the footsteps of Manuel Lanzini, he told the club’s official website.
The talented young midfielder has spent large chunks of the season out injured but he is now back and ready to take his career forward.
Comparing himself to Lanzini, Watson revealed that he wants to get more games under his belt for West Ham and the Republic of Ireland under-18s before earning a professional deal.
Louie Watson reflects on injury woes
After featuring for the under-23 team in pre-season, the 17-year-old has had a frustrating season, spending five months out injured.
Watson told whufc.com: I’ve used the time wisely, I like to think. I have worked on parts of my game that needed improving and it’s helped me become an all-round better player.
“I have always been one of the smaller boys in the group, so I’ve been able to have some time working on my strength and that will put me in a better position in the future.”
Louie Watson on his future aims
Watson has been playing for the under-18 team and has featured for the under-23 outfit on a few occasions. He compares himself to Lanzini and looks up to Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne.
The Republic of Ireland youth international told whufc.com: “I like to score and create goals; that’s what I’m about. One of the players I look up to is Kevin De Bruyne. He’s the type of footballer I base my game around and he’s the best at what he can do.
“At West Ham, I’d say my style is most similar to Manuel Lanzini. But in the modern game, there is definitely a demand for midfielders to be able to do both; score and make goals, and break up play. If you can do both, you’ve of course got an advantage.
“Now, I just want to push on. I want to add a couple of U23 appearances to my belt, to gain some more international caps [for Republic of Ireland U18s] and to earn myself a professional contract.”
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