West Ham United managed to keep their fine form going with a comfortable rout over Macclesfield Town in League Cup on Wednesday.
Although a game the Hammers would have been expected to win, they had struggled in the previous round against AFC Wimbledon.
However, Manuel Pellegrini’s side have started to build some confidence after a number of good results and an 8-0 scoreline did not flatter them against the League Two outfit.
The Chilean manager would have been expecting his side to go out from the off and to dominate their opponents and used the match as an opportunity to give some of his youngsters a chance.
One man that appeared to have taken that chance with both hands was Grady Diangana, who netted a brace on his senior debut for the club.
The midfielder, who is currently playing for the Under-23’s, impressed Pellegrini, despite his manager admitting he still has a long way to go.
“One of the things that I asked the club was to work with the Under-23 players in the same training ground,” he told the Telegraph.
“Last month we started doing that and it is easier to see their performances.
“He (Diangana) must improve a lot if he wants to be a top player, but he is working hard. If he keeps this attitude he will improve a lot.
“I was pleased for him because the only thing I demand from young players when they have the opportunity is to take the opportunity. He did very well, not only for the two goals.”
The Verdict:
The game against Macclesfield was the perfect opportunity for Pellegrini to get a closer look at his academy prospects and he will have been delighted it paid off.
Diangana is likely to be some way off from making the senior side on a regular basis, however, if he can build on that performance, West Ham will have an exciting youngster on their hands in the future.
The 20-year-old will now look to knuckle down and get working hard on developing his game and will be hoping to get another opportunity to impress Pellegrini when their next opponents in the League Cup are drawn.
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