West Ham have a reputation as a haven for young, developing talents and the situation is very much the same in the current environment.
The Hammers have regularly handed youngsters a route to the first-team, whilst also sending players out on-loan to earn vital experience.
Martin Samuelsen is one player who’s undergone those experiences this season, spending time on-loan with Peterborough United.
Samuelsen returned to West Ham last night and impressed, scoring a brace for the U23’s in a 4-0 victory over West Brom, which earned a wealth of praise.
However, Samuelsen had recently been criticised by Peterborough boss Grant McCann- although West Ham coach Graham Westley leapt to the youngster’s defence last night.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Westley said:
“I read an article this week about Martin Samuelsen and confidence. People give players confidence, and you saw tonight what an absolutely outstanding talent we have on our hands.”
“He’s only 19 and we had too much for them. Let’s not forget how talented some of our players really are.”
Samuelsen had earned criticism from Peterborough boss McCann, who told the club’s YouTube channel he felt the Norwegian had lost his spark following an unsuccessful stint with Blackburn.
“He didn’t have the confidence to try things that he once did, when he was here. I wanted him to express himself more.”
“He needs to get somewhere where he can play week in week out. He should’ve come here at the start of the season, but he decided to go to the Championship. He’s a great kid, he’ll have a massive future in the game.”
Now back at West Ham, the Hammers will look to guide the 19-year-old to more consistent performances and he’s likely to enjoy a spell away from the limelight of the lower leagues.
