West Ham United’s under-21s beat Chelsea’s youth team 3-2 on Friday night.
In the process, Mark Robson’s West Ham cemented our place at the top of the table, and now have a three point lead over four clubs who are all on 12 points.
The under-21s are an elite group of young men, and many of them have real chances to make names for themselves at the very highest level.
There are exciting times indeed lying ahead of the Hammers, and our academy is one of the most talented in the country, if not the most talented.
West Ham’s youngsters were very good last weekend when they beat Newcastle away from home, with the likes of Ollie Scarles standing out, and we were even better last night.
During the win over Chelsea, a new teenage star announced himself with a superb all-round performance from the left wing-back position, and two goals to his name.
West Ham have new 17-yo star after under-21s beat Chelsea
The aforementioned Scarles play in a more advanced, attacking role against Chelsea on Friday.
That opened up the left wing-back position, and Emeka Adiele took full advantage.
What a performance it was from the 17-year-old last night.
He scored two cracking goals for Robson’s side, and was a constant threat in the final third down the left hand flank.
The talented Hammers youngster looked very good defensively as well.
Adiele possesses pace in abundance, has a really low centre of gravity and a wicked left foot on him.
However, in the modern game, the reliance on physicality and power may well be the only thing that prevents the 17-year-old from making it at the very highest level.
It will be very interesting to see how the talented teenager develops over the next few years in East London.
West Ham under-21s were far too good for Chelsea last night, and Emeka Adiele really stood out for me.
Let’s hope that he continues to go from strength to strength at the London Stadium.
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