Julen Lopetegui may well open the door to the first-team for two West Ham United teenagers in particular.
West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui has a lot of important jobs to do this summer, and one of his key remits is bringing some of the club’s talented youngsters through to the first-team.
It was a department where David Moyes failed in my opinion. Yes, he gave some youngsters the odd chance here and there.
However, the Scot never consistently gave some of the club’s very best young players consistent starts.
That could all be set to change now though, especially with more scrutiny on PSR regulations, and the requirement to have more homegrown players amongst Premier League squads.
The Hammers have a tremendous academy, full to brim of elite young stars. But which ones could announce themselves on the biggest stage next seaosn?
West Ham hint Julen Lopetegui could give chances to 2 youngsters
George Earthy is an elite young talent, and he showed us all last year what an incredible future he has in the game, if he continues to apply himself correctly both on and off the pitch.
Mark Noble absolutely raved about the 19-year-old after he picked up the under-21s player of the season back in May.
The 19-year-old ace made his Premier League debut for West Ham at the end of last term, but it ended in disaster after he was knocked out on the pitch and sent to hospital.
However, it wasn’t a serious injury in the end, and the under-21s star returned with a bang.
He came on as a substitute for the Hammers during our final home game of the season against Luton, and proceeded to score our third and final goal of the match.
Earthy demonstrated sensational movement that provided him with the space to put the ball in the back of the net.
The teenager bagged 13 goals and 10 assists in 27 games for the under-21s last season (Transfermarkt).
He’s a special talent who’s set for a big role this upcoming season and beyond.
Another super talented youngster we have at the club is Lewis Orford.
He came on leaps and bounds last season, and he has already trained with the first-team on multiple occasions.
The 18-year-old really caught the eye after he scored a wonder goal for the Hammers under-21s against PSV last season.
I think we have a real player on our hands in the form of Lewis Orford – he seems to have absolutely everything needed to go on and make it at the very highest level of the game.
He’s technically gifted, is a wonderful passer of the football and his composure in possession sets him apart from the rest.
I believe that West Ham have just hinted that both players will have a big role to play for the first-team next season…
George Earthy and Lewis Orford set for a big season
The Hammers officially released our new kit this morning.
Umbro – the kit manufacturers for West Ham – have performed fairly averagely over the past few years when it comes to designing the uniforms for the players.
However, the latest edition broke the mould.
What a kit it was. The video was pretty tasty as well, and the absence of Kurt Zouma seemed to suggest that the Hammers skipper could be on his way this summer.
However, on the flip-side, the club have hinted that Earthy and Orford could be set for key roles this season as well.
The two players, 19 and 18 respectively, were the only under-21 squad members to feature in the official kit release video, shown via the club’s X account:
I think both players are fully deserving of a chance next season and beyond, George Earthy in particular.
Lopetegui will undoubtedly have a look at the talented duo during pre-season, and I expect the likes of Ollie Scarles, Gideon Kodua and Kaelan Casey to be given an opportunity at some point as well.
The future is very bright for West Ham now with Julen Lopetegui at the helm.
And the integration of some young, homegrown players will certainly help him endear himself to the Hammers faithful.
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