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West Ham’s future looking bright

By Scott Johnson

MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 18: Toni Martinez of Oxford United celebrates scoring his sides second goal during The Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Middlesbrough and Oxford United at Riverside Stadium on February 18, 2017 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 18: Toni Martinez of Oxford United celebrates scoring his sides second goal during The Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Middlesbrough and Oxford United at Riverside Stadium on February 18, 2017 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
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West Ham haven’t provided much talent into the world of football for the last few years. However that could all be about to change.

It’s common knowledge that West Ham won the World Cup in 1966. Of course this isn’t the actual truth but as it really bugs Spurs fans I love saying it. However it does hold that for a long while the academy in East London was producing some of the best talents around.

Throughout the 90’s a whole host of talents came through the youth ranks and went on to big things. Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand and Joe Cole just to name a few. But since the glory days the talent faded away. Some prospects didn’t quite match up to their potential. However we could be about to see a new crop of talent fight for their place in the starting XI.

Young Talents

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Reece Oxford is the biggest name in the youth team, after his break through performances last season. However since he has been on loan at Reading he has had to wait for his chance to play. Manager Jaap Stam is likely to give him some helpful knowledge for his progression despite his lack of playing time, and the young star took to twitter to state he was happy to wait until the time was right for his chance.

Marcus Browne and Martin Samuelsen are two more out on loan. Browne is at Championship side Wigan and made his debut against Manchester United in the FA CUp. Unfortunately his side were already down and went on to suffer a heavy loss to the larger side. Samuelsen is back at Peterborough but struggling to make an impact, featuring mostly as a substitute.

The big winner from the youth side at the moment is Toni Martinez, who is on loan at Oxford United. The young Spanish striker was bought in by the youth scouts this summer and has shown his talent so far. Many fans were calling on him to get a shot in the side before he was loaned out, but he has taken his opportunity well.

Next: Is Andy Carroll the most underrated striker in the League?

Despite the fact he is yet to score in the league, the young Spaniard has scored twice in the FA Cup, including once against Premier League opposition. He has a real knack for being in the right areas at the right time and given the talent he has shown so far I would be very surprised if the youngster wasn’t in the manager’s first team plans for next season,