West Ham U23 manager Dmitri Halajko has praised Joe Powell after he scored a wonder-goal, whufc.com reports.
Powell opened the scoring in the 4-0 win over Stoke City U23s at the bet365 Stadium last night. It was an audacious attempt from 35 yards out, lobbing Blondy Nna Noukeu from distance.
The 20-year-old racked up his third league goal of the season as he continues to impress. Halajko believes Powell is technically gifted, allowing him to pull off special moments like this.
Dmitri Halajko on Joe Powell
Halajko told the club’s official website: “That’s his second time this season where he’s lobbed the keeper from well near the halfway line. He did it in pre-season against Anderlecht, a little bit further out actually.
“He’s got that technical ability, so it wasn’t too much of a shock really because we know he can do it.”
If the local lad can keep up his good form, he might be knocking on Manuel Pellegrini’s door. Powell has captained the U23 side on a number of occasions this season and he is a mainstay in the academy midfield.
The left-footed midfielder provides a creative spark that has often been lacking in the first-team this season. Powell has previously played one senior game for the Hammers, providing two assists from the bench against Macclesfield Town. Perhaps he could get a first-team promotion soon.
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