Five West Ham youngsters to look out for in the future

Sam Allardyce has recently commented on his refusal to promote youngsters to the first team, but I think it is unfair to pigeonhole all youngsters as ‘not ready’.

Both our academy and our development squad are brimming with talented players that will hopefully be given first team chances sooner rather than later.

Here I will analyse five that have particularly shone at youth level and will hopefully soon be able to be integrated into the first team picture…

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Reece Burke

18-year-old Reece Burke made his first league appearance for West Ham away at QPR last weekend following injuries to Winston Reid and James Tomkins, and his assured defensive display – which contributed to a clean sheet – was one of the few positives we can take out of the goalless stalemate at Loftus Road.

The towering centre-back showed great maturity after finally getting the nod and almost had the dream start as his third minute header was cleared off the line.

Burke will be hoping for more regular action after getting his first taste of Premier League football and if he can continue performing like he did on his debut, he could have a long West Ham future ahead of him.

Djair Parfitt-Williams

Born in Bermuda and raised in USA, Djair Parfitt-Williams was spotted by Hammers legend and fellow Bermudian Clyde Best whilst at San Jose Earthquakes.

Probably the most skilful flair player in our youth set-up, the 18-year-old is showing all the signs of becoming a future star.

With pace, confidence and an eye for goal, the young winger has taken the step-up from the under-18 side to the Development Squad after scoring nine in 19 for Steve Potts’ under-18s.

Since making his debut in our Development Squad, he has one goal in nine, a handful of assists and won man of the match in the recent 2-1 victory over Manchester City.

If he bulks up a bit, Parfitt-Williams could well soon stake his claim for a place on the West Ham wing, where there is certainly a vacancy at the moment.

Reece Oxford

Prized as our most promising defender since Rio Ferdinand, Reece Oxford quashed rumours linking him with Manchester United and Arsenal when he signed a long-term contract with West Ham earlier this season.

Despite only being 16-years-old, Oxford has been on the bench for a number of Premier League matches this season and insiders feel that his first team debut is not too far away.

He has regularly featured in our Development Squad this season and captained England at youth level.

There is a lot of excitement surrounding Oxford and it seems like only a matter of time now before the youngster makes his first team bow, whether that be this season or next.

Diego Poyet

Why has Diego Poyet not been given more first team chances?

Since his summer arrival from Charlton, the 20-year-old midfielder has been limited to just one start and two substitute appearances in the Premier League.

Poyet might feel aggrieved; Sam Allardyce’s stubborn refusal to endorse any form of youth seems to be the reason why he has not seen as much first team action as he deserves.

Perhaps a change in management and philosophy would present more opportunities for the son of Gus Poyet, who recently opted to play international football for Uruguay, rather than England or Spain.

The former Charlton player of the year is a combative central midfielder who I would like to see pushing Cheikhou Kouyate and Mark Noble for their spots in the starting line-up as competition for places is healthy.

Grady Diangana

Not many West Ham fans will be too familiar with the name Grady Diangana but if his progress continues in a similar uphill fashion, they could find themselves singing his name before long.

Diangana only turned 17 last week but the attacking midfielder’s two goals and nine assists in 21 under-18 games this season has recently earned him promotion to the Development Squad.

Inspired by Ronaldinho, Diangana moulds his game on the exciting Brazilian and has certainly shown glimpses of class in recent under-21 games.

The hardworking youngster likes to drift from his usual central position and his left boot is capable of producing threatening set-pieces too.