Joshua Ajala’s impressive rise at West Ham United has continued after the teenager won the club’s Goal of the Month award for August.
West Ham confirmed Ajala as the winner of The Kingdom Bank Goal of the Month on Thursday.
It provides another marker of progress for a player who has quickly moved from academy prospect to genuine first-team option under Nuno Espírito Santo.
Ajala was heavily involved throughout pre-season and scored as West Ham beat Stevenage 5-0 in July.
But his biggest opportunity arrived in the Carabao Cup.
Joshua Ajala continues West Ham breakthrough
Nuno handed Ajala his first senior start against Southampton on 25 August.
The 19-year-old responded with two goals as West Ham won 4-1 at St Mary’s.
Ajala equalised before half-time and struck again after the restart, turning a difficult cup tie firmly in West Ham’s favour.
His display prompted ReadWestHam to examine why Ajala had given Nuno a fresh first-team selection decision.
He was subsequently named among the substitutes for the Championship trip to Watford as his involvement around the senior squad continued.
Ajala’s progress is another positive sign for West Ham’s Academy of Football.
Lewis Orford, Divine Mukasa, Ezra Mayers and Airidas Golambeckis have also received meaningful senior opportunities this season.
Our permanent West Ham Academy guide tracks the U21s, emerging prospects, loans and youngsters pushing towards Nuno’s squad.
ReadWestHam also identified Ajala among the seven young players capable of stepping up for West Ham before the campaign began.
His route has since accelerated considerably.
Winning a monthly award will not guarantee Championship starts, particularly with Joël Piroe and Taty Castellanos competing for attacking roles.
But after a first senior start, two goals and another club accolade, Ajala is increasingly difficult for Nuno to ignore.
