Credit: Imago

Josh Edwards

Mon 27 April 2026 12:10, UK

Lewis Orford deserves a chance to showcase his worth for West Ham United.

Nuno Espirito Santo has already worked wonders to get the Hammers in a respectable position ahead of the final four games, though there are still some concerns that he has no way around.

And the majority of them concern the depth he has at his disposal in certain areas, with the midfield the most obvious one.

Tomas Soucek and Mateus Fernandes have impressed, but the options after the pair are minimal to say the least.

And Orford’s performances for West Ham’s Under-21s showcase why he may have something to offer.

Lewis Orford can offer something to West Ham

Freddie Potts has been handed several opportunities at West Ham this season, without contributing too much at either end of the pitch.

Meanwhile, Orford has made just one senior appearance, despite having impressed in the Premier League 2, and he did the same again in the latest clash with Fulham.

Not only did he score the goal to take the game to penalties, but he also created six chances from midfield, with one of them deemed a big chance.

He hit the target with all three of his shots, and more than did his work at the other end of the pitch with four tackles and five duels won out of seven.

While the 20-year-old may not have what it takes right now to start games for West Ham, he certainly deserves a chance to play some part.

West Ham’s faith in Orford summed up by contract

Orford has been with West Ham since 2020, and based on his current contract, he will remain with them until 2029.

He will have three years left on his deal at the London Stadium come the end of the season, and that in itself showcases the faith that the Hammers have in him to make a mark in the near future.

Now is the perfect time for him to do that, but it remains to be seen if Nuno sees it the same way ahead of the final four games of the season.