Just two years ago, West Ham fans were getting giddily excited about young midfielder Martin Samuelsen.
The attacking midfielder was producing some exciting displays for the youth team. And many fans thought he would be a first-team regular by now.
But things have not quite gone to plan for Samuelsen and his chances of breaking into the first-team now look slim. However, a recent surge of good form could be a timely boost for Samuelsen’s hopes of saving his West Ham career.
Mixed success on loan
Samuelsen has been loaned out by West Ham on six separate occasions. And these temporary stints have produced mixed results for the youngster.
His first loan spell at Peterborough United was eye-catching but he failed to replicate that at Blackburn Rovers the following season.
When he returned to Peterborough, his confidence was hit and he failed to hit the heights expected of him. And during his next spell, at Burton Albion, Samuelsen showed promise but could not prevent his side’s relegation.
Earlier this season, Manuel Pellegrini decided another loan spell was wise after running the rule over Samuelsen in pre-season.
VVV Venlo signed the Norway international but he struggled in Holland. After just 10 league games, Samuelsen’s loan spell was cut short. His only goals for the Dutch side came in the cup.
Martin Samuelsen hits form in Norway
In January, West Ham sent the 22-year-old back to Norway where he joined hometown club FK Haugesund. This was seen as his last chance to save his Hammers career.
And after scoring in consecutive games, perhaps Samuelsen’s West Ham career is not over just yet. The ex-Manchester City midfielder has come off the bench for Haugesund in their last two games and scored in both.
In a combined total of 20 minutes, Samuelsen’s two goals have helped Haugesund record back-to-back wins. Samuelsen needs to target a starting spot for the Eliteserien team now and continue his form to prove a point to Pellegrini.
With one year remaining on his West Ham contract after this season, this could be a timely purple patch for West Ham’s forgotten man.
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