WHZ View: West Ham starlet Odubeko bounces back with superb youth displays
West Ham academy starlet Ademipo Odubeko has responded in the right way to his disappointing showing for David Moyes’ team in February.
The 18-year-old came on as a substitute for Andriy Yarmolenko in the second half of our FA Cup defeat to Manchester United. He was taken off again in extra time having failed to influence the game.
Despite this, there are still high hopes for the Irish striker in East London. He was involved in three match-day squads in four days last week – the Under-23s on Friday, the senior squad on Sunday, and the Under-18s on Monday.
He’s been on the bench for Moyes’ side for the last six Premier League matches in a row but is yet to make his debut in the top-flight. Because of this, he hasn’t been able to play for the development sides for a few weeks.
Last weekend he made up for lost time. Odubeko played for 85 minutes in the Under-23s Premier League 2 clash with Leicester City. He was part of a strong line-up, that also featured Yarmolenko and Arthur Masuaku – both are making their comebacks from injury.
Odubeko played a starring role as the Hammers won 3-1. He didn’t score any on this occasion but was a handful for the Foxes backline. The striker was involved in our third goal, seeing his blocked shot fall to Conor Coventry to lash home.
For a first run out in four weeks, it was a good showing. The youngster was then involved with the senior squad again, making the bench for the 3-3 draw with Arsenal.
It was on Monday, however, that he really turned it on. Odubeko scored a brace as the Under-18s won 5-0 away to Norwich City in the FA Youth Cup.
His first goal was excellent. The number nine linked up well with Kai Corbett, who played him the ball in the box. Odubeko took a one-touch before shifting it to his left foot, and lashed in from 12 yards past the Norwich keeper.
He burst with pride as the ball hit the net, the goal clearly meant a lot to him. He doubled our lead on 32 minutes. A different type of goal this time, he showed excellent instinct to tap in a Jayden Fevrier cross.
Odubeko then turned provider. He picked up an assist for the Hammers fifth goal, returning the favour to his partner, Corbett. The youngster latched on to a through ball and slotted home on 86 minutes.
A sensational couple of days for Odubeko. It’s excellent to see him respond so well to his performance against Manchester United. At 18 he is still young, there are going to be many opportunities for him to break into Moyes’ side again.
In other West Ham news, Jesse Lingard says he is nowhere near his prime yet.