Reece Burke featured in the West Ham United starting line-up for the third Barclays Premier League game in succession on Saturday and was arguably faced with his toughest task to date by the in-form Christian Benteke.
The Belgian hotshot had scored twelve goals in his previous eleven games for the Villans, but could not add to that streak against the Hammers, despite the best efforts of Tim Sherwood’s side to supply him in the attacking third.
29.9 percent of the game was played in the Hammers’ defensive third, indicating the pressure that Burke and centre back partner James Collins came under, but the 18-year-old Newham boy continues to look assured.
He made 17 clearances, six with his head, to help his side, as well as making three ball recoveries as the Hammers kept themselves in the contest, despite Tom Cleverley’s 31st minute goal.
In possession, Burke was an asset to his team, making 24 of his 31 passes, completing all six in the defensive third and giving possession to Aaron Cresswell on seven occasions to help drive forward.
His manager was once again impressed with his contribution, saying: “He was great and him and Ginge handled Benteke very well. I thought the goal we gave away was a gift, though. We should have done a lot better with the run from Grealish and made sure he didn’t get that far, but he did.”
Head to our Match Centre for more detailed Opta stats from the game.