Callum Marshall nowhere near West Ham United first team yet after what happened on Saturday
West Ham fans are very familiar with academy star Callum Marshall as he continues to develop away from the London Stadium.
The 19-year-old striker is currently plying his trade with Huddersfield Town this season, joining on a season-long loan, and has notched one goal and one assist in nine League One appearances so far.
Fans at the John Smith’s Stadium have warmed to the young striker, but it has become clear he is far from ready for a step up to Julen Lopetetegui’s team, especially following his failed loan with West Brom.
Despite this, Marshall has earned a more regular role with the Northern Ireland team, now boasting seven international appearances to his name so far, including 67 minutes against Belarus on Saturday 12 October.
Although facing a team 24 ranking below them in the world, Marshall and Northern Ireland struggled to break the deadlock, showing that the striker has a long way to go before breaking into the first-team mould in East London.
Callum Marshall still requires development before West Ham United step up
The 19-year-old has just one senior appearance to his name at the London Stadium, earning his debut during last season under David Moyes.
One season later and Lopetegui will need convincing that Marshall is anywhere near the right standard to be called up after his poor performance on the international stage on Saturday night.
Up against two centre-backs from the Russian second division, and another from the Bulgarian Premier Division, Marshall lost all seven of his ground duels (100%), made three fouls and completed just 67 per cent of his passes [FotMob].
While he did create one big chance and maintained a 100 per cent shot accuracy, he trudged off the pitch after 67 minutes without really getting a sniff of the ball.
This is by no means an attack on the forward. He is young, energetic and still learning his trade, but Lopetegui will need to see a lot more before he earns any more first-team appearances.
In other West Ham news, a £25million defender’s exit could be “inevitable” amid interest from the Hammers.
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