This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Nathan Holland has spoken about making his Premier League debut in West Ham United’s 2-0 loss against Wolverhampton Wanderers, as quoted on the club’s official channels.
What did he say?
The 21-year-old was making his first appearance in the top tier when he replaced Mark Noble in the 71st minute at the Molineux.
While the result didn’t end up being what the Hammers will have wanted, there were positive signs from Holland after he came on.
The biggest of those was his fearlessness, attempting two dribbles in the short period of time he was on the pitch, completing both of them, while he also won four of his five ground duels.
Speaking after the game, Holland said: “To come on at 1-0 down, you just try and make an impact and I tried get about them, but obviously they got the goal towards the end. Obviously it’s a great feeling to make my Premier League debut, though.
“This season has been a massive step forward on and off the pitch. I’ve just kept working hard and I’m seeing the rewards. Tonight is another reward and I just want to keep kicking on.
“I’m happy with how I did. I just tried to be positive. The gaffer told me to be brave and go one-v-one and to get a cross in so early obviously settled the nerves. At the end of the day, it’s just a football game from there.”
Exciting prospect
It is exciting to see Holland finally getting his opportunity to impress in the Premier League and the hope is that more will come for him.
There have been various calls from West Ham fans to see Holland representing the first-team, which has now happened.
Did he really play for us?! No West Ham fan has managed to name all of these obscure Irons signings….
This also comes a matter of days before it was revealed that had been nominated for Premier League 2 Player of the Month, alongside his teammate Bernardo Rosa.
All of this indicates that Holland could be on the verge of getting more chances in the first-team, which should hopefully allow him to eventually fulfil the promise he has shown so far.
In other news, Manuel Pellegrini should put his trust in West Ham’s youngsters in the FA Cup.
