West Ham United coaching assistant Julian Dicks says there are still things to improve on as the team prepare for the start of the new season but was full of praise for how Reece Oxford and Lewis Page settled into the starting line-up.
The Hammers lost their final pre-season game in England 2-1 as Werder Bremen picked up the Betway Cup at the Boleyn Ground on Sunday.
Despite Diafra Sakho firing the home side into the lead, the Bundesliga side hit back with two goals from Anthony Ujah in the first half.
Dicks was disappointed that the team failed to find a way back into the game, but feels it was another fine display from the youngsters who started the game and believes it will give them great confidence heading into the new campaign.
Dicks said: “The young players are getting their chances. Reece is a very good player and we will use him when we can. I thought Lewis did well at left back. It was a good test for them.
“We have to close people down and work hard and I'm sure the gaffer will be working on that in training this week.”
Dicks was also pleased to see Sakho get among the goals once again and knows the importance of keeping the Senegal forward fit heading into the new season.
Dicks added: “Diafra is a very good player and is a big part of the team. It is important to keep him fit. The club are looking to strengthen upfront which is what we need.”
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