WHZ view: Ademipo Odubeko could get chance to shine vs Burnley
West Ham will be short of attacking options against Burnley on Saturday and that could provide Ademipo Odubeko with a rare chance to impress.
The striker made his Irons’ debut as a substitute against Stockport on Monday and could act as back-up to Michail Antonio once again.
Sebastien Haller’s exit means the pair are West Ham’s only natural forwards, and if Burnley prove stubborn Odubeko could get his chance.
He has impressed David Moyes and may have seen more first-team action if he hadn’t picked up a hamstring injury earlier in the season.
The Scot hinted at that when suggesting the 18-year-old was “somebody we’re looking forward to working with”, which may translate into minutes on Saturday.
Odubeko may be young but he has confidence in displaying his talent, as his limited appearances in this campaign have showed.
Against Southend United in the Papa John’s trophy, for example, the Ireland U17 international twice found the back of the net with superb strikes – the first of which came from more than 30 yards out.
Fortunately for the Hammers, he is not just a finisher either, and his varied skillset has the potential to cause Burnley problems.
The Clarets defence will prove a tough opponent, and will look to dominate in the air, but an average of 3.5 aerial duels won per 90 minutes, per WyScout, indicates that Odubeko could have some joy in that area.
If he is to feature at the London Stadium, it will likely be from the bench, so his aerial presence could help him to make an impact on set-pieces in both boxes.
More importantly, 1.2 dribbles per game suggests he will be able to run at and unsettle the opposition in a similar manner to Antonio, though it is vital he receives adequate support.
Finding Odubeko in good areas will be key for us, as he should make the most of any shooting opportunity.
A return of 83% shot accuracy underlines how efficient he is, though the worry is that he may be unable to replicate his U23 form for the first-team.
Moyes may have no option but to play him if Antonio picks up an injury, however, and it would not be pleasant viewing to see an out of position Jarrod Bowen or Pablo Fornals lead the line against the Clarets.
In other West Ham news, another young prospect has joined an EFL side on a permanent basis.