OPINION
If there’s one thing they pride themselves on at West Ham it’s the ability to bring through some of the best and brightest young players in the English game from their academy.
For decades the Hammers have been one of the most successful sides in the country with regards to blooding young talent, and if Manuel Pellegrini’s latest comments are to be believed, then there is no reason to suggest that that trend will abate any time soon.
Speaking the club’s official website, he said: “All the clubs are different. At some teams you can have the option to play with so many young players.
“In the way that young players play more games, they improve. Every club is different, but every manager will try to choose every Saturday or every time that we have to play the game, the best players. It doesn’t matter about their age.”
This will be music to the ears of all of the Irons’ academy players, who will fancy their chances more than ever of following Declan Rice into the first team after this latest assurance from the Chilean.
One man in particular who should be buzzing about the boss’ comments is Grady Diangana.
The 20-year-old has already made 15 appearances in the Premier League so far this season, and you would wager that he will add a fair few more to that tally over the coming years.
The winger is a direct and dangerous threat, and whereas at many clubs he would likely be sent out to learn his trade in the lower leagues, Pellegrini’s comments would suggest that his future is well and truly with West Ham.
That’s a massively exciting proposition, especially for the player, whose confidence must be through the roof knowing that his manager is willing to give youth a chance.
Now all Diangana has to do is repay that faith.
