Having been linked with several striking targets throughout the summer so far, including the likes of Mattia Destro and Carlos Vela, the Hammers are evidently perhaps keen on adding another forward to the squad. However, this is arguably an unnecessary search as West Ham may already have the solution in their ranks.
Elliot Lee, son of former Irons midfielder Rob Lee, has been a footballer at the East London club for rather a long time despite being just 20 years of age. He started for the first team in the recent Europa League second leg of the first qualifying round match against Andorran outfit FC Lusitans. He played in a centre-forward role, just behind Senegalese striker Diafra Sakho.
Lee spoke to West Ham TV after the game: ‘I’ve worked my socks off and I’ve been at this club since I was eight years old.’
The striker’s career so far has consisted of various loan spells away from the club. Although he featured as a substitute in the 2012-13 FA Cup for the Boleyn Ground club, Lee has been playing in the lower leagues thus far. One goal in 4 games for Colchester and 3 goals in eleven games at Luton Town would have boosted the confidence of the young man, as he looked to make an impression.
As the European game kicked off, Lee looked lively. Unfortunately for the team however, Sakho was shown a straight red card following an off the ball incident with the opposition. This led to a huge burden of responsibility being suddenly placed on young Lee’s shoulders.
‘After Diafra was sent off we knew it was going to be a tough task, but we knew we were fully capable of doing it.’
This was the Englishman’s first ever senior start for the Irons. As he came on as a substitute in the first leg of the tie, he was already aware of the challenges that the Andorran team posed.
‘I’ve been waiting for a night like this for a while. I’ve had ups and downs at this club and have had to be patient, as I know footballers have to be.’
Midway through the first half, Lee lashed onto a flick on from fellow countryman Matt Jarvis, and calmly placed the ball into the bottom corner with his right foot, giving the Hammers the lead.
‘I didn’t care where my first goal came! So to score on my full debut is a fantastic feeling and I’m really happy with it. I ran off Jarvis and I love being in that position on the left hand side of the box. I opened my body up and thankfully I got it right this time – it’s gone in the bottom corner and I’ve gone off celebrating with all the lads. There’s no better feeling than that.’
Lee was a major threat going forward, and caused a lot of problems for the Lusitans backline. He was extremely unfortunate to not be awarded a penalty in the first half after being taken out from behind, but showed great maturity and persistence to continue with the game and carry on. The second half also saw an opportunity in which the 20-year-old nearly doubled his goal tally on the night, with a curling shot shying just wide of the post. He showed quick feet and good mental ability in order to work the space for himself just outside the penalty area. In the end, the game finished 1-0 and Lee’s goal was the deciding factor.
‘I was happy to take the pressure off the lads by scoring the goal, that’s what I’m here for and I’m really pleased for the boys that we’re through to the next round.’
West Ham will face Birkirkara of Malta in the second qualifying round, and the youthful goal-scorer will be looking to build on his impressive start. He most definitely deserves the chance to prove himself in the first team, and should be given the nod by Slaven Bilic to feature in the next European match. Lee has been an integral part of the U18 and U21 sides, but now he is ready to step up. Let’s hope that one day his number 36 shirt will become a number 9.
‘I’ve never given up and I know I’ve not made it or anything now, but hopefully I’ve put myself in the Gaffer’s eye-line, and I can build on this performance.’
