Once regarded as one of the finest youth systems in the country, West Ham’s ‘Academy of Football’ has tapered off in recent years in terms of producing first-team quality players. The most promising youngsters that we have had in the past few seasons – for example, Freddie Sears, Blair Turgott and Rob Hall – have all fallen short of making the step up to senior level and settled for underwhelming transfers to lower league clubs. But could Djair Parfitt-Williams be the exception to our unfortunate run of underperformers?
I am not alone in believing that we have an incredible talent on our hands here. At just 18 years of age, Parfitt-Williams is sparkling in our Development Squad and has been one of the stand-out performers this season. He was initially endorsed by Hammers legend Clyde Best, who spotted him playing for San Jose Earthquakes in the United States. Fellow teammate Alex Pike was also full of praise for Parfitt-Williams, describing him as a great prospect.
Born in Bermuda, just like Best, and raised in the United States, Parfitt-Williams operates primarily on the wings but can also play up front or just behind the frontman. His pace, flair and trickery caused enough havoc amongst under-18 opposition defences that he was promoted to the Development Squad earlier this year. Making his debut against Athletic Bilbao, he has since cemented a permanent spot in the team and does not look ready to relinquish it any time soon.
My only criticism would be that being small in height and slight in frame, Parfitt-Williams could do with bulking up before stepping up to first team football. But everything else appears to be in order; he boasted an impressive record of 9 goals in 19 under-18 appearances and has scored 1 in 9 since stepping up to the Development Squad. If his progress continues at the same rate, I would predict that within two seasons (perhaps with a loan spell in between) he could well be knocking on the door and putting first team players under pressure for a spot on the wing; a position where there is certainly a vacancy at the moment.
