Impressive week for two West Ham loan players
By Adam Smith
West Ham shed a few youth players this offseason, sending them abroad in search of starting minutes for player development. For two of the players poised to make an impact sooner rather than later, it was a good week on the score sheet.
Toni Martinez
Martinez has joined another team in LaLiga2 after a second-half loan spell with Real Valladolid last season, this time with CF Rayo Majadahonda. Martinez’s time with Valladolid last season saw him play in ten matches with one goal scored.
Clearly, off to a better start Martinez has already scored for Majadahonda in a 2-1 loss against Real Zaragoza. He played only 45 minutes in his first match for his new squad but Martinez is looking comfortable already in his return to Spanish football.
Martinez does have a future with West Ham if he can find consistency in the second tier of Spanish football. He knows how to score, time to prove it!
Debut agridulce, esto solo ha hecho que empezar. Feliz por haber hecho historia en el club con el primer gol en @LaLiga 2 ⚡️⚽️
— Toni Martínez (@AntonioMtnez_29) August 20, 2018
Bittersweet debut, but this is just the beginning. Happy to make history with @RMajadahonda with the first goal in LaLiga2. ⚡️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/VWnS4R4y2z
Marcus Browne
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder has joined Oxford United for the 2018/19 season and has hit the ground running. Scoring in OXford’s 2-0 win over Coventry City in the Carabao Cup, Oxford has followed this up with another goal in League One play.
Next. Anderson didn’t choose his pricetag, so don’t judge him by it. dark
His second goal for Oxford was something to see. Browne took the ball down pitch with tremendous pace, then with a little stutter he cut inside and slotted a beautiful shot home out of the reach of the keeper. Oxford would go on to lose this match, however, Browne did receive man of the match commendations.
Showing your new supporters what you're all about, @MarcusBrowne14. 👏
— Sky Bet League One (@SkyBetLeagueOne) August 23, 2018
Despite defeat, @OUFCOfficial man netted a fine solo strike. 💯 pic.twitter.com/rrutN6T90Q
After a season marred by a serious knee injury, Browne looked in form when he returned to PL2 last season for West Ham’s under-23 squad. He managed 6 goals in 10 matches, captaining the squad 7 times. Oxford will have a lot to celebrate with this young player on their pitch this season, and hopefully, he can return to West Ham to slot into the future plans after this season.