One of the biggest criticisms directed at former West Ham boss Slaven Bilic was the Croatian’s reluctance to hand opportunities to the talented youngsters behind the scenes, instead electing to send the likes of Reece Oxford on-loan.
Bilic also decided to overlook the talents of in-form U23 striker Toni Martinez, despite calls from the fans to give him a chance, and didn’t hand talented defender Declan Rice the opportunities he deserved either- leading some to express concerns that the pair could move elsewhere.
However, new West Ham boss David Moyes has handed the young players at West Ham a huge boost as he’s suggested he will give them opportunities to make an impression in the first-team, should they deserve that chance.
In his first press conference as West Ham boss, Moyes dropped a big hint that young players could be given the chance and indicated the deadwood would be cut from the Hammers squad.
“I have just come back from India to watch the [Under-17 World Cup] and they were fantastic. I think there has to be a way forward for young players to get in the teams. Some squads in the Premier League are over-cluttered, maybe ours is too so we have to find ways to get young players in.”
