Opinion from the stands

Pellegrini must unleash Coventry v Arsenal

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OPINION

West Ham have been famous for helping young players progress into the first team fold – just take a look at the successes of Declan Rice and Grady Diangana.

Rice in particular has been a revelation in the midfield this season, and has been a regular in the starting XI since the start of the season.

Diangana, meanwhile, has injected some pace into the side with his blistering runs along the flank – much to the delight of West Ham fans.

Manuel Pellegrini must raid the youth side once again, as Conor Coventry is definitely a player who he should consider unleashing against Arsenal on Saturday after making one appearance in the Carabao Cup this term

It may be a tough game to unleash the defensive midfielder into, but throwing him into the deep end is just what he needs to progress into a player like Rice.

He was on the verge of breaking into the first team set-up during the 2017/18 campaign after a string of impressive performances for the under-23 side – but Pellegrini must ensure that does happen this season by unleashing him against the Gunners.

Unai Emery’s side have been lethal in attack this season – the form of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang says it all – so West Ham will need all of the defensive reinforcements that they can get.

Pedro Obiang has not been the most convincing when playing alongside Rice, while Mark Noble is more of a central midfielder.

This means it would be the perfect opportunity to unleash the youngster alongside Rice – as well as the perfect opportunity to integrate more young talent into the side.

If the rarely-seen player can impress the fans anything like Rice and Diangana have done this season, then the support will be in for a real treat indeed.

Pellegrini must be bold and pick Coventry in his starting XI on Saturday as he may end up being a revelation – just like his teammates.

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