Nathan Holland is in “terrific” form, and deserves his chance to prove himself in the West Ham first team against Oxford United, according to The Athletic journalist Roshane Thomas.
The young winger has been a key player for the U23s so far this term, and Thomas believes that he should be included in Manuel Pellegrini’s senior side when they continue their Carabao Cup campaign on Wednesday.
Writing in a Q&A for the Athletic, he said: “Holland is in terrific form. So far this season he’s scored three goals and provided four assists.
“He deserves a chance against Oxford.”
OPINION
Holland is surely ready for the first team. It feels as if many fans have been calling for his inclusion for some time now, and given the electric form he has shown this term, with seven goal involvements already, he must be wondering what else he has to do to convince Pellegrini to take a gamble on him. Truthfully, his continued omission from the senior side is probably less a reflection of his output, and more a sign of the amount of strength and depth that the Hammers have at their disposal this season. Andriy Yarmolenko in particular has come into the side and feels like a new signing. Two goals, as well as averages of 1.8 shots and 1.2 key passes per game in the Premier League so far this season, as per Whoscored, show exactly the kind of quality that Holland is up against, and that’s why he has to make good on the chances he is given, as and when they come to him. A good performance on Wednesday would be a great start.
