Divin Mubama should be given a chance as West Ham face Backa Topola in Europa League
With West Ham set to face Serbian side Backa Topola in the Europa League, it may hand the perfect opportunity for academy gem Divin Mubama to get his first-team bow this season.
Mubama has made five senior appearances already at West Ham, and scored his first senior goal in last year’s Europa Conference League campaign, but will now be anticipating the step up and more European game time.
The 18-year-old has been an unused substitute in four of the Hammers’ five Premier League games so far this season, and the Europa League clash against an admittedly weaker side could provide him with his first start.
Mubama’s European cameos in claret and blue last season got fans talking. At just 18 years old, he has already featured in the Premier League and will be looking to make himself a household name, particularly with the lack of strikers at the club.
It is no secret that the Hammers spent a large portion of the summer transfer window chasing a new forward after Gianluca Scamacca’s departure, but their failure to land one may have provided Mubama with his chance.
Rotation will be necessary for the East London club as they look to compete in all four competitions this season both domestically and in Europe, and the young forward could be one who benefits from the changes in personnel.
Teams do typically experiment in the Europa League, especially when facing sides that are weaker on paper, and Michail Antonio may be given a rest due to his importance ahead of the Premier League clash with Liverpool. Mubama presents the best option for his replacement.
He will be looking to follow in the footsteps of fellow Academy of Football graduate Declan Rice, who led his side to European success last time out, and recently earned himself a nomination for FIFA’s prestigious Best Men’s Player award.
This is one to watch.
In other West Ham news, a new update has emerged in the possible deal for Jesse Lingard.