OPINION
It is normally the case that young players are loaned out to give them the vital match time experience they need, but that is not the case for West Ham United with one of their up and coming stars.
Step forward Nathan Holland, who joined the Hammers last year from Everton’s youth academy.
According to club insider ExWHUemployee – who is a reliable source of West Ham news – on the West Ham Way podcast broadcast on Wednesday evening (33:40), boss Manuel Pellegrini has received a number of offers from Championship clubs for the young attacker’s services for the duration of the 2018/2019 campaign.
However, he explained that “Pellegrini wants to keep him” following the ace’s display against the Tottenham under-23s earlier this week, where he thoroughly impressed in the 3-1 victory.
Pellegrini has been brave by blocking any clubs’ attempts to sign Holland, but it could prove to be a masterstroke as he is the fresh injection of energy the team needs after their torrid display against Liverpool last Sunday.
Despite the fact the Chilean has brought in a number of arrivals in the attacking department, he must give the 20-year-old the opportunity to unleash his talent in what was an arguably tired looking attack.
Even though the Reds were tough opposition, West Ham’s forward line hardly troubled Liverpool’s defence throughout the match, which is a worrying sign for things to come.
Holland’s display against the Irons’ young counterparts is enough to secure him that spot in the starting line-up tomorrow afternoon if Pellegrini really wants to show everyone what his team is made of.
Despite the fact that the youngster’s teammate, Xande Silva, shone after his hat-trick, Holland was excellent in his forward play and posed a real threat to Spurs.
If Pellegrini gives the Manchester-born winger an opportunity on Saturday, then he can give himself a well-deserved pat on the back for opting against sending Holland out on loan – as he will only cause havoc to Bournemouth’s defence with his energy.
