I’ll start this article by welcoming our latest signing Sam Byram.
Born a Hammer and brought up a White, the Thurrock lad is finally a West Ham player after controversially deciding to sign for us over Everton. The Leeds youth player was the brightest star at Ellnd Road and I’m over the moon we have one of the country’s most promising players.
Right-back by trade, Byram has been playing in a more attacking role for Leeds. He has managed to find the net on a number of occasions, scoring goals with style. The kid is a serious talent and I look forward to him concentrating on being a right-back and eclipsing the ability of Seamus Coleman at Everton.
Byram is now part of a generation which I call, The Bilic Babes.
In my first article about the The Bilic Babes for West Ham World, I spoke about the crop of academy players that would create an impact and my verdict on each of them.
So, with Mauro Zarate’s time at West Ham coming to an end and Alex Song’s second season not being as good as his first, is it now time to shift the focus and start playing The Babes?
Josh Cullen can play in Zarate’s position when called upon, and I’m sure he will be more of a team player and be less selfish when opportunities arise for grabbing goals. His frame and ability is ideal and would have a positive impact when creating chances.
Reece Oxford, as we’ve seen in the Europa League and against Arsenal, can do a great job sitting in front of the back four and command the area. Alex Song should be playing there but has been in a more advanced role with Kouyate taking up that position. Kouyate is better getting forward and driving the ball with him, but Oxford would take over the spot in many years to come.
I feel introducing Cullen and Oxford into the team, surrounded by experience, will be the best learning curve for the boys. Going out on loan to a League Two side fighting for someone else’s promotion/relegation isn’t the way forward.
The boys need to focus on the first team and performing in front of West Ham fans and the atmosphere we’re able to create.
Let me know your thoughts and continue to troll me on Twitter – @ArchiAAL
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