With several players missing for West Ham ahead of this weekend’s Premier League game against Leicester City, it could be time to blood the youngsters.
A number of academy starlets are knocking on the door for West Ham first-team games and Manuel Pellegrini might be tempted to use them.
Considering the injury problems at The London Stadium and the nothing-to-play-for mid-table position, it is now time to give Nathan Holland a go.
Unavailable players
Samir Nasri and Manuel Lanzini will both miss Saturday’s match against Leicester, Pellegrini confirmed via the club’s official website.
Without those two, the Hammers will be lacking creativity in midfield. Jack Wilshere and Andriy Yarmolenko also remain out with long-term injuries to limit West Ham’s options.
And West Ham could also be without Robert Snodgrass this weekend. The Scotsman faces a one-match ban for improper conduct towards a doping official which will rule him out of the Leicester game unless West Ham appeal, whufc.com reports.
This leaves Pellegrini with few alternative options, especially with Grady Diangana’s form dipping. Holland now needs his first-team call-up.
Nathan Holland deserves his chance
Since returning from injury, Holland has been exceptional in the under-23 team. The former Everton winger missed his chance to play first-team football in the cup through injury but he is staking his claim for a place now.
In 10 games, Holland has scored twice and provided a staggering seven assists. And he really caught the eye last Monday, scoring and assisting in the 2-2 draw with Derby County.
Last Saturday, Pellegrini included the 20-year-old in his matchday squad but he was an unused substitute against Manchester United.
But given the circumstances, it is time for Pellegrini to place his faith in Holland and give him a much-anticipated chance in the Premier League.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
