West Ham’s recent form means that many fans will be getting excited for next season at the new Olympic Stadium. Although there will be big signings in the summer, there is one name that many fans will be keeping a close eye on in the next few months.
Martin Samuelsen joined the Hammers in the summer of 2015 after undergoing a number of trials at clubs throughout Europe. The former Manchester City academy player then signed for the Hammers and went on loan to League One side Peterborough United at the end of November for an initial period of one month.
The 18-year-old has impressed in his brief spell at the Posh, enough for them to arrange for Samuelsen’s loan to be extended until the end of the season. The attacking midfielder has appeared six times for Peterborough and has already scored two goals.
One of those goals was a superb 90th minute winner (see below) against Sheffield United, a goal that will sit well with Hammers fans everywhere. At 2-2, he picks up the ball on the left and begins to slalom past four defenders before firing home to give the Posh a 3-2 victory. His dribbling style is unique and unpredictable, making him more than capable of embarrassing defenders.
His direct and brave approach at just 18-years-old is encouraging for any West Ham fan and his recent strike against Championship side Preston in the FA Cup shows just how much he is thriving playing regular football at Peterborough. Speaking after the FA Cup fixture, Samuelsen spoke of his joy at playing regular football:
“It was a very good win for us and we are now all excited about the draw. We’ll take anyone in the next round. We feel we can beat anyone.
“It was good for me to score again. I have come to here to create goals and score goals, but I have to thank my team-mates and the manager for my opportunity. It’s important that I keep my form going.”
Sameulsen also spoke of his future plans and how he hopes to help the Hammers in the future:
“Short-term I want to help Posh get promoted and long-term I would like to get into the West Ham first team and help them win trophies as well. There is no rush though. I want to prove myself at League One level first.
“I am very happy at Posh.”
The young attacker is certainly enjoying his football at the moment and his raw ability is certainly something that is attracting the interest of the West Ham fan base at this particular moment at time.
For a bloke who sports a floppy hairdo Justin Bieber would be proud of, he seems to have the early qualities to make an impact at the Hammers in the future.
Martin Samuelsen is certainly a young prodigy that should be taken seriously.
Samuelsen’s goal vs Preston in the FA Cup:
Samuelsen skills:
There is little doubt that Samuelsen is a huge talent and is currently enjoying a hugely successful loan at Peterborough. And that is where I believe he should remain for the foreseeable future.
It is becoming increasingly clear that only top quality players are going to be considered for our first team and as we progress we are only going to sign top quality players.
So for any youngster to have any chance of breaking into the first team he has to be as close to the finished article as possible.
What is increasingly clear is such youngsters are not going to reach the required standard in the reserves or development squads and a loan arrangement although not perfect is probably the best option.
So l am very relaxed about our loan arrangements and look forward to the day when the likes of Samuelsen and Poyet return to challenge for a place in the first team. COYI!