It was another night of modern-day success for West Ham despite defeat at the hands of Dinamo Zagreb as a youthful Hammers’ side put up a fight against their top-flight Croatian opposition.
Already guaranteed qualification as group winners, David Moyes took the opportunity to blood some youngsters whilst resting key first-team players at the London Stadium.
One of five debutants on the night was 18-year-old central defender Jamal Baptiste.
Speaking during BT Sport‘s coverage (Thursday, December 9), former Arsenal defender Martin Keown was suitably impressed with the teenager.
You saw just there, Baptiste showed really good pace. Then the ball into Perkins, the way he took that really did look quality.
Commentator Ian Darke was also left aghast by Baptiste’s prowess beyond his years.
He was playing for the Under-23s when he was 15, which is extraordinary.
Baptiste earned a 6.60 Sofascore rating for a display that included 58 touches, one clearance and one successful aerial duel.
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Yet more positivity for the Irons.
Seeing such a heavily rotated side packed full of academy prospects was a wonderful sight for the club.
Seemingly unphased by the occasion, England youth international Baptiste could be called upon in upcoming contests as Moyes looks to cover for the loss of Kurt Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna.
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