West Ham United: David Moyes must reward Josh Ajala after what Under-18 ace did v Chelsea
West Ham Under-18 sensation Josh Ajala has continued to impress at youth level, and David Moyes will have to sit up and take notice soon.
The Scot recently handed a debut for George Earthy and that should hand the 17-year-old hope of being afforded a similar opportunity.
Ajala, who is capable of adapting to multiple positions such as centre-forward, winger and attacking midfielder, has been a bright spark during a rather average season for the young Hammers.
Despite a 4-3 defeat to Chelsea U18s, having taken the lead through a Daniel Rigge penalty, the teenage sensation was on hand to provide West Ham with a glimmer of hope in the closing stages.
The 17-year-old came alive in the final 15 minutes of the match, using his incredible pace and superb eye for goal to score twice, adding to an already impressive goalscoring record this season.
After 19 appearances in the U18 Premier League, Ajala has racked up 13 goals and one assist, showcasing his incredible shooting ability and readiness for first-team football.
Jarrod Bowen worries could make room for Josh Ajala at West Ham United
There are worries that Jarrod Bowen could be unavailable for West Ham’s Europa League clash against Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday 11 April, having left the field injured during a 2-1 win over Wolves.
Although Maxwel Cornet and Danny Ings will be ready, Moyes should look elsewhere for attacking talent. Both forwards have been disappointing at the London Stadium, though the manager refuses to admit that.
Ajala, who signed his first professional contract in November, may not have any real first-team experience yet, but he has to start somewhere.
Without Bowen, Lucas Paqueta, Mohammed Kudus and Michail Antonio will likely start, and the youngster could be a decent replacement from the bench.
Fellow academy graduate Divin Mubama has failed to make the desired impact for Moyes’ team and has yet to start a single Premier League match. He has most recently been linked with a loan move to Sheffield United.
Having not made the matchday squad against Wolves on Saturday (6 April), Ajala could have the perfect opportunity to be involved with the senior side and take Mubama’s place in the pecking order.
In other West Ham news, Jason Cundy and Jamie O’Hara argued about the latest controversy live on air.
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