The future looks bright at West Ham with David Moyes proud of young players despite losing debut

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Jack Rosser @JackRosser_9 December 2021

David Moyes will be disappointed at suffering a first Europa League defeat but this was a night about the academy over any result.

In all, the Scot was able to hand chances to seven of his youngsters here while giving three their full debuts.

Each impressed in their own way, the two central defenders were solid throughout and composed on the ball while full-backs Harrison Ashby and Emmanuel Longelo constantly drove forward down the flanks. Striker Sonny Perkins was a bundle of energy leading the line and showed good feet.

That West Ham had got to the point where the result here, their final game in the group stage of this Europa League campaign, was an afterthought - they are already through as group winners -  is testament to the job Moyes has done.

The Scot had challenged the academy players to take their chance and all did, with Freddie Potts - son of former Hammer Steve - and Keenan Forson also getting some minutes off the bench.

"It was a tough game for them," said Moyes.

"Overall I thought they all acquitted themselves really well. You saw that there were some of them out there that if they continue to improve and keep their work up they’ll get a good chance to go on and be first team players."

Moyes also handed opportunities to fringe senior players, though it was largely the more experienced players who let down their younger teammates.

Andriy Yarmolenko, by far the most seasoned player in Europe in this West Ham squad, was flat and ended the night with boos from his own supporters when he was replaced late on.

The Ukraine international, who is one of the top earners in east London, was at fault for the stunning winner, standing off Mislav Orsic before he sent a stunning strike dipping into the far corner from the left flank.

Yarmolenko then failed to make anything click going forward, fumbling on the ball and slowing down many a move forward.

“You’re expecting a lot more from the seniors but it is not easy when it’s a young team,” said Moyes.

While the former Borussia Dortmund man’s future in east London may not look so bright with his contract up in the summer, there are certainly some youngsters who have a lot to look forward to in the years to come.

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