Having sold Declan Rice this summer to Arsenal, West Ham United did sign Edson Alvarez to try and compensate for the gap left by the England international’s exit.
Despite the fact that the Mexico international has played frequently for the Hammers since joining the team, the Premier League team is still actively seeking new players.
Ardon Jashari, a 21-year-old defensive midfielder who is presently playing for FC Luzern in Switzerland, is reportedly of interest to West Ham, per Corriere dello Sport.This appears in an article that mentions how he “continues to be one of Switzerland’s most promising midfielders” and how he once came dangerously close to joining Serie A.
They further add that Murat Yakin, the manager of the national team, has “already tried him out” for the team and that West Ham and Villarreal are “courting him.”
They highlight the young player’s ability to “recover a lot of balls,” which he can use to set up an aggressive move or to send to the person next to him with accuracy.
For some recent games, his manager has given him the armband at such a young age for a purpose, and West Ham is obviously pleased with what they see.
What about the cost? That’s what makes him so alluring—he could only cost €6 million. One to be aware of.
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West Ham United U21s v Nottingham Forest
Premier League International Cup, Rush Green Stadium, Friday 1 December
On Friday, the West Ham United U21s will host Nottingham Forest to continue their Premier League 2 campaign.
The young Hammers, who are currently second in the Premier League 2 table after a strong start to the 2023–24 campaign that has seen Steve Potts’ team win five and lose just one of their opening eight games, fought to a 1–1 draw against French opponents Olympique Lyonnais on Tuesday evening in the Premier League International Cup.
How to watch the game?
Our YouTube page and TikTok will stream the Friday game live, commencing approximately five minutes prior to the 7 p.m. kickoff.
The broadcast is also available on the official website.
Potts pleased with the challenge of a busy fixture list
At Chigwell Construction Stadium, the young Hammers were giving it their all against Lyon, just three days before they faced Nottingham Forest in Premier League 2.The match at Dagenham ended in a 1-1 tie after a hard battle and a last-minute equalizer, but the task now is to play the 12th-place Reds again three nights later.
For the U21s, Steve Potts believes that a full fixture list is crucial. Because the timetable is similar to that of the professional leagues, they must concentrate on their recuperation, conditioning, and preparedness.
“Forest have seen some good results, so it won’t be easy,” he stated. “But the best thing about this timetable is that you can go straight to the next one.
“We want that realism for the boys [of having to play matches in quick succession]. That is what they are having to do – and it feels a bit like a lower league schedule in mirroring the Saturday-Wednesday, Saturday-Tuesday schedule.
“That is what they have got to get used to, and so we go again on Friday!”
Laing: I learn a lot from Potts’ experience
Levi Laing performed admirably against Lyon once more, showcasing his abilities in one-on-one matches in particular.
The young Hammer takes great satisfaction in his traditional style of defense, and there’s probably no greater teacher than Steve Potts, who had a stellar playing career with 506 appearances in east London.
He claims, “Steve gives me so many tips on how to protect using my body structure, how to stay vigilant, and how to react more quickly.”
It’s amazing to be able to absorb all of his expertise and the defensive insights he brings, having played a lot of games for West Ham. It’s amazing to be able to use that in my game.
Although Laing has undoubtedly played a significant role in the Hammers’ successful start to the season, everyone’s attention is now on what lies ahead.
He wants to contribute and is certain that his team can continue this amazing run the next time around.
Laing went on, “I am in a really good frame of mind, but I still need to put in a lot of effort and keep proving to everyone what I am capable of.
“On and off the field, the squad members have a very strong bond and are performing exceptionally well together. We are winning a lot of games, so maybe I can continue to put in a lot of effort and we can continue our winning streak.
“All we have to do is make sure we are prepared to play Forest again on Friday.” The boys must manage their recuperation and resume their rigorous training regimen.
We can’t become complacent even though we are soaring. We have to persevere.
Last Time Out
West Ham United U21s maintained their lead in Premier League International Cup Group B with a 1-1 draw against Olympique Lyonnais.On Tuesday night, George Earthy scored an incredible late equalizer in extra time.
With seven points from three games, the Hammers now sit atop Group B, one point clear of Brighton & Hove Albion and ahead of Lyon on goal differential.
On Friday, January 19, at 7 p.m., the Irons will host Dinamo Zagreb of Croatia to wrap out their group-stage matches at Chigwell Construction Stadium.
Nottingham Forest is now ranked 12th in the Premier League 2 standings after defeating Newcastle United and Crystal Palace twice this season.
Their league games have frequently been close affairs; in seven games, they have four draws, thirteen goals scored, and eleven goals given up.
Away from PL2, Forest recently advanced to the Bristol Street Motors Trophy final 32 by defeating Accrington Stanley of EFL League Two and Carlisle United of EFL League One.
Tickets
Friday night, tickets are sold through the turnstiles. Adult entry is £5, while under-18 entrance is £1.
West Ham United season ticket holders are admitted free of charge to the game; they simply have to present identification at the turnstiles.How to Comply
Shortly after the full-time whistle, a report, commentary, and highlights will be posted on the Club’s website via a live blog.
The match will also be streamed live on the Club’s website and YouTube channel.
