OPINION
West Ham United have recently held a reputation for integrating young players into the first team fold – you only have to look at the likes of Declan Rice for proof – and that is no different with winger Xande Silva.
The 21-year-old made his debut for the Hammers after coming on in the second half in the 2-0 loss to Burnley on Sunday – and even though he was not able to make a difference to the scoreline, the youngster certainly turned some heads in his short cameo.
The winger – who usually plays on the right – looked lively in his short-lived appearance, and if he is able to maintain this type of form if given the chance, he will surely have some of his teammates sweating.
Grady Diangana usually operates on the right flank, and if anything, he should be the player that is sweating the most after Silva’s debut.
Robert Snodgrass should also be quaking in his boots, as his starting XI place certainly is not guaranteed with a hot-prospect like Silva close on his heels.
Manuel Pellegrini may be convinced to use a young player who has a lot more energy than Snodgrass, so the Scottish international has every right to be worried after Sunday’s display.
Silva has been electric for the under-23s this season, netting a hattrick on his debut for the youth side at the start of the campaign – and he has only got better since.
The manager needs to risk the dazzler for a full 90 minutes in order to get a better picture of what he is capable of with the senior team, so Diangana and Snodgrass must start playing out of their skin to ensure that their spots are safe.
Silva is definitely a star in the making – and his teammates should be very worried indeed.
