West Ham United Football Club have confirmed the signing of youthful goalkeeper Rihards Matrevics, with the shot stopper signing a scholarship at the Boleyn Ground, subject to international clearance in addition to the approval of football’s world governing body, FIFA.
Despite just 16 years of age, the Latvian stands at two metres tall and should look to take inspiration from fellow 16-year-old Reece Oxford, who has already broken into the first team setup. The Academy staff have deemed the young man in between the sticks as good enough, following his trial at Upton Park earlier this year.
Matrevics has represented his nation at U17 level, and is hoping to one day feature for his senior national side as he looks to make progress in East London. He revealed on the official club website that he looks up to goalkeepers Thibaut Courtois and Manuel Neuer as role models.
‘I’m really enjoying my football here in England so far. It’s quite different to life in Latvia where my friends and family are. It is sacrifice and at times it is tough, but I love it at West Ham so it’s all worth it.‘
He also spoke of the West Ham strikers in the team: ‘Out of the strikers, Andy Carroll has definitely got the hardest shot, the power he gets is unbelievable. I’ve saved a few of his shots; it’s always a great feeling when you make a save against a Premier League player of his quality.‘
