OPINION
There’s never quite going to be a perfect time to thrown a young homegrown player into the fray, but for West Ham United and teenage midfielder Conor Coventry, now is that time.
On paper Saturday’s trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United wouldn’t be the ideal scenario in which to blood a young talent. But Coventry has given every indication that he is ready to make the step up to the first team.
Plus, sometimes it’s better to throw youngsters in at the deep end and see if they sink or swim. Newcastle United starlet Sean Longstaff made his full Premier League debut against Chelsea earlier this season and did just fine. No one’s saying that Coventry would go on to make the sort of impact that Longstaff did, but you don’t know until you try.
Another reason why now is the time to introduce the 19-year-old is the constant problems the Hammers have had in central midfield this campaign. Manager Manuel Pellegrini can’t seem to find the right combination of players in the middle of the park.
The Chilean got it badly wrong against Chelsea on Monday, and his team only began to get a foothold in the game once Robert Snodgrass joined Declan Rice and Mark Noble in a midfield three at half time.
However, it’s Coventry who should get the nod in a trio on Saturday. Imagine pairing him with the excellent Rice and the experienced head of Noble. He would likely flourish, while the three players would possess an intriguing mix of attributes.
Pellegrini has shown a willingness to trust in youth in his first season in East London. With nothing really left to play for this term it would be nice to see the Hammers boss throw caution to the wind and give some of the kids game time down the stretch. Coventry would surely be chief amongst those ready to make the step up.
Throw him in alongside Rice and Noble against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side and see if he can hack it. Everything we’ve seen with the Under-23s suggests that he could make waves against the Red Devils.
