da bet7： West Ham have always had a great academy and a conveyor belt of youngsters throughout the decades..
da bet esporte： Set up in the 1950s by a group of forward thinking players, the youth system has given the Hammers many of its legends and heroes.
Despite a lull of youngsters coming through during the Sam Allardyce era, it very much seems that Slaven Bilic is encouraging the youth and West Ham have a crop of young talent just emerging onto the scene. Unfamiliar names now will become names spoken off in the future as players like Jahmal Hector-Ingram and Alfie Lewis sign their first professional contracts.
During the qualifying rounds of the Europa League last summer, Bilic decided to blood several of the youngsters and none let him down. A few have had first team experience this season, whilst the others have been gaining more experience on loan at lower league clubs.
Here are FIVE of those expected to make the first team next season:
Reece Oxford
West Ham’s diamond and one that has caused major speculation in recent days. Rumours of a rejected deal with the Hammers appear wide of the mark, but as the talks go on, the shadows of other bigger clubs loom as they begin to note their interest publicly. He was thrown in for an emergency debut in the first game of last season and earned rave reviews for his performance in a 2-0 win at Arsenal when just 16.
Oxford, who has two years remaining on his contract, is valued at around £10m and the Hammers are desperate to keep him at the club. The youngster, who can play at centre back or in midfield, is the best of the youth coming through and is certain to have a big future in the game. West Ham don’t want to lose him and the talks over a new contract are progressing.
Reece Burke
Burke has just been voted Bradford’s player of the year which is some achievement for a teenager on loan. At 19, he is a young man with leadership qualities who will be a shining light for West Ham’s future. Strong in the tackle, he is a robust, focused stopper who shows desire when heading against powerful strikers and isn’t worried if he makes a mistake. He is right footed but can play on the right or left side of the central two.
Josh Cullen
The midfielder has been in and around the first-team environment at West Ham and has been on the bench several times in the past, but is currently on loan at promotion chasing Bradford. Cullen, a Republic of Ireland Under-21 international, has made four first-team appearances for West Ham and featured in the 3-0 Premier League win at Liverpool in August.
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Marcus Browne
The highly thought of midfielder started his career at West Ham when he was just eight years old and has progressed throughout the youth groups, impressing at every stage of his development. The attack-minded player is equally adept at playing behind the striker in a No.10 role, and is known for his set pieces. Although injuries have hindered his development over the past few seasons, the midfielder has made a number of notable outings against Blackburn Rovers and Norwich City in the FA Cup.
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Martin Samuelson
The Norwegian 18 year old signed from Manchester City’s youth development squad last summer and has literally exploded onto the scene at West Ham. Held in high regard by everyone that has seen him, this youngster has a sparkling future. The midfielder has been on loan at Peterborough United this past season, but is ready to fight for a place in the first team and many see a bright future for the youngster.
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