Terry Westley backs Jamal Baptiste to turn into ‘monster player’ for West Ham
Terry Westley has claimed that West Ham United youngster Jamal Baptiste has all the ability to become a “monster” for the Irons.
The 17-year-old put pen-to-paper on his first professional contract on Thursday, with no agent in sight at the London Stadium.
Baptiste became the second-youngest player to represent the under-23s last season and has continued to feature at that level this year.
Westley believes that Baptiste has everything it takes to succeed at the London Stadium after his latest contract this week.
“It was clear to me from the start that this boy had everything he needed in terms of physical stature and ability to become a monster player for the Hammers,” he wrote for Claret and Hugh.
“Now he has signed his first professional contract with us and the great news is there wasn’t an agent involved or in sight. He’s not interested in that stuff.”
David Moyes will be keeping a close eye on his under-23s, with Ben Johnson also shining in defence recently for the youngsters.
Baptiste has impressed against the likes of Colchester and Southend in the EFL Trophy this season, and he did that while he was 16-years-old back in September.
In the game against Colchester, he completed 10 interceptions and won 70% of his defensive duels according to WyScout – phenomenal.
If he can continue to show this type of form and domination, it won’t be long until he turns into this “monster” that Westley has predicted.
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