West Ham youngster Jamal Baptiste labelled “quality” by Martin Keown v Dinamo Zagreb
West Ham youngster Jamal Baptiste impressed Martin Keown in the first half of tonight’s Europa League game against Dinamo Zagreb.
David Moyes named a very youthful side for the game at the London Stadium, with the Hammers already assured of their place at the top of their group.
18-year-old Baptiste was given his first start for the club at centre-back, making him one of five players making their full debuts in claret and blue.
Discussing the defender while commentating on BT Sports’ coverage of the match, Ian Darke said: “He was playing for the Under-23s when he was 15, which is extraordinary.”
Co-commentator Martin Keown added: “You saw just there, Baptiste showed really good pace. Then the ball into Perkins, the way he took that really did look quality.”
Next Rio Ferdinand
It is a fantastic night for West Ham’s youngsters and a brilliant showcase of the talent that the club’s Academy of Football is producing.
Among the most highly-rated players is Baptiste, who made his debut at the age of 17 as a late substitute against Doncaster Rovers in the FA Cup back in January.
He has started 11 of the Under-23’s 14 games in Premier League 2 this season and earned rave reviews for his performances, which have included three goals from the back.
In the summer, former Hammers striker Carlton Cole suggested that Baptiste could be “the next Rio Ferdinand” which gives the teenager a lot to live up to.
Baptiste, who is an England Under-19 international, has been named on the bench for four Premier League fixtures so far this season and we could start to see a bit more of him due to injuries to Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers need to make a decision on a transfer target who could be on the move in January.
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