National media drops ‘lacking’ verdict West Ham United loanee Callum Marshall for Northern Ireland
West Ham United loanee Callum Marshall was described as “lacking at times” during his performance for Northern Ireland in their 2-0 win over Luxembourg.
The 19-year-old started the UEFA Nations League clash on Thursday [5 September] but failed to make an impact for his national team before making way for Jamal Lewis after 57 minutes.
Marshall, on loan to League One outfit Huddersfield Town, split opinion with his international outing as the forward’s performance was rated by outlets in his native Northern Ireland.
The Belfast Telegraph [5 September] handed him a 6/10 rating, writing: “Worked hard but the final ball in threatening areas was lacking at times from the fledgling striker. No surprise when the Huddersfield Town forward was replaced in the second half.”
While, Belfast Live [5 September] awarded a 7/10 rating for his performance, writing: “The West Ham youngster looked lively throughout with his pace causing Luxembourg problems.”
Callum Marshall needs to impress West Ham United on the international stage
Marshall has gotten off to a flyer in his loan spell with Huddersfield with one goal in three matches in League One followed by one goal and one assist in two Carabao Cup fixtures.
The forward had an underwhelming spell with West Brom during the second half of last season with only three appearances for the Baggies and has had to settle for another loan spell further down the English football pyramid this term.
Senior football will be vital for his development this year, after an impressive breakout year for the Premier League 2 side, where he scored 18 goals and added five assists in 14 appearances, before his Championship spell.
Marshall needs to use his participation on the international stage to impress Irons boss Julen Lopetegui. Unless he takes League One by storm and finishes the season with the Golden Boot, it’s hard to imagine his experience in the third tier will warrant a first-team berth in the Premier League next season.
He is too high a level for youth football, with four Northern Ireland caps to his name, the striker is entering the make-or-break years for his development and his West Ham future.
The match against Luxembourg provided the perfect stage to showcase his quality but, unfortunately, he failed to make the most of his opportunity with only one shot on target, zer per cent success with his two long ball and cross attempts, and zero dribbles attempted in a poor night for the forward [Sofascore].
In other West Ham news, Julen Lopetegui must take a risk with Mohammed Kudus at the Hammers.
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