West Ham supporters in the Transfer Tavern are eager for the club to improve on their 11th placed finish in the Premier League and Slaven Bilic could look towards his younger stars as a method of realising this ambition.
West Ham fans are positively eager to see their club improve on their league finish last season and after they reached the quarter-final stages of the EFL Cup last season; it is likely that their supporters will be hoping for silverware this forthcoming season.
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Despite the progress that the Hammers have attained under Slaven Bilic’s effective leadership, the club has failed to develop one of the club’s young prospects into a prominent first-team figure. As preseason beckons on the horizon, the Irons’ fans are hoping to witness the progression of some of the club’s starlets this upcoming season.
Our landlord has taken a look at two wonderkids that Bilic should utilise this season.
Ashley Fletcher
A product of Manchester United’s academy, Fletcher was purchased to provide the Hammers with attacking reinforcement last season. Having impressed during his loan spell at Oakwell with Barnsley, scoring nine goals in 27 appearances, he joined the Hammers at the beginning of last season.
Despite being utilised as a rotational option, Fletcher amassed 20 appearances in the claret and blue shirt, scoring one goal. Coincidentally, his goal was scored against his former team Manchester United in a 4-1 defeat in the EFL Cup.
While the majority of the 21-year-old’s appearances were made as a substitute, there is no questioning his ability. The striker is an aerial threat considering his height and is surprisingly quick too if he’s handed consistent first-team minutes then he has the potential to thrive.
Declan Rice
Another intriguing option at Bilic’s disposal is academy player Declan Rice, who made his first senior appearance for the Hammers towards the end of last season against Burnley. The 18-year-old defender made 33 appearances for West Ham in the Premier League 2 last season, establishing his status as one of the key players in the Hammers’ youth team. To further testify his potential, the Irishman was awarded the captaincy of the under-23 team at the age of just 17.
Having captained his side towards promotion, the youngster was named Young Hammer of the Year award. If Bilic is keen to improve his record of youth development, Declan Rice seems to be the perfect example. For a defender, Rice exhibits considerable pace and has shown his ability to operate as a defender or as a midfielder.
West Ham fans, are you happy with these options? Let us know!
