Nathan Holland joined West Ham from Everton’s youth setup in January 2017.
In other news…Report: West Ham want to sign 24-year-old who rejected Man City
The fleet-footed winger arrived at the London Stadium with a big reputation from his youth days on Merseyside.
Holland was, and still is, an incredibly exciting young talent.
He is 22 now, however. He will be 23 in June, so this season could very well be a make or break one for the Hammers ace.
Holland was patiently waiting in the wings at West Ham before being loaned to Oxford United last season. He really impressed, scoring three goals in 12 games (Transfermarkt), before a hamstring injury prematurely ended his campaign.
Holland is now waiting for his chance at the London Stadium under David Moyes. He is slowly being nursed back from the injury that ended his campaign last season.
And when he gets his chance, he absolutely must take it.
The 22-year-old was behind Grady Diangana in the pecking order at West Ham. But the young winger has been moved on to West Brom. And although Said Benrahma has been signed, Felipe Anderson’s exit and Andriy Yarmolenko’s poor form should mean that Holland is given at least some game-time.
There will be so much pressure on him to perform, however. In football, when you get to 22 or 23 and still aren’t playing regularly, people will begin to question why you haven’t hit the big time already.
Holland needs to take inspiration from someone like Ian Wright, however. The former Arsenal man didn’t start playing professional football until he was 22 and didn’t receive his first England cap until he was 27.
Holland needs to keep plugging away. But in the modern game, if he fails to make his breakthrough this season, questions will undoubtedly be asked of his quality.
The former Everton has has a great opportunity this term. It’s time for him to step up and be counted. And it could be now or never for Holland at West Ham.
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