Exciting winger Martin Samuelsen speaks about his loan spell at Peterborough and the Dev Squad's final
Exciting young prospect Martin Samuelsen played 90 minutes for the Development Squad on Monday in their 1-0 U21 Premier League Cup final victory over Hull City after returning from his loan spell at Peterborough United.
The Norwegian youth international was a handful for the Tigers throughout, testing the keeper a number of times and forcing two strong penalty appeals for the hosts.
The 19-year-old spoke about the young Hammers’ display in the first tie, hopes for the second leg and his experiences in League One…
Martin, it looked like that goal was never going to come!
MS: “No, we had a few chances to score, but we kept going and we were really happy when we got the goal in the last minute or so. We thought they were going to sit low and let us play, but when they came out, they did quite the opposite. They pressed us high and gave us a few problems, but I think we dealt with them well and we deserved to win.”
There was plenty of dribbling from you – were you pleased with the way you played?
MS: “Yeah, I like dribbling as you can see! But I also like to score goals, and I didn’t [score one], so I’m a bit disappointed. I had a few chances to score. We should have had two penalties but overall, I’m pleased. If we play like this in the second leg [against Hull City at the KC Stadium], we should win.”
The Norwegian youth international was a handful for the Tigers throughout, testing the keeper a number of times and forcing two strong penalty appeals for the hosts.
The 19-year-old spoke about the young Hammers’ display in the first tie, hopes for the second leg and his experiences in League One…
Martin, it looked like that goal was never going to come!
MS: “No, we had a few chances to score, but we kept going and we were really happy when we got the goal in the last minute or so. We thought they were going to sit low and let us play, but when they came out, they did quite the opposite. They pressed us high and gave us a few problems, but I think we dealt with them well and we deserved to win.”
There was plenty of dribbling from you – were you pleased with the way you played?
MS: “Yeah, I like dribbling as you can see! But I also like to score goals, and I didn’t [score one], so I’m a bit disappointed. I had a few chances to score. We should have had two penalties but overall, I’m pleased. If we play like this in the second leg [against Hull City at the KC Stadium], we should win.”
With Peterborough in League One, I’ve learnt the tough side of the game; the physical side, that every game means something.
It was a strange one with the penalty appeals – did you speak to the referee after the game?
MS: “I spoke to him and he said it looked like the other guy got to the ball first, but he kicked me in my calf so I’ve got a dead leg now and no penalty! We just need to get back to training now and practice more and hope that next time, the chances go in.”
It was good to see Djair Parfitt-Williams score the goal as well, wasn’t it?
MS: “Yeah, Djair is just back from injury. He’s three or four weeks ahead of schedule so it was great for him to be out there today. He’s an amazing football player. He’s got great skills, can score goals and he’ll definitely be one for the future.”
What have you learnt from your time on loan at Peterborough United?
MS: “With Peterborough in League One, I’ve learnt the tough side of the game; the physical side, that every game means something. People are fighting for their lives. It was a good experience for me and I think I’m a stronger person and better player from it.”
Was it great to be back at the Boleyn Ground?
MS: “Yeah, it’s nice. I remember playing here in the Europa League at the beginning of the season so it’s good to be back here to get a game before it is taken down. West Ham is where I want to be. It’s a fantastic Club. This season has been amazing for me, coming from Manchester City, barely playing games, to where I am now. I can’t believe it.”
MS: “I spoke to him and he said it looked like the other guy got to the ball first, but he kicked me in my calf so I’ve got a dead leg now and no penalty! We just need to get back to training now and practice more and hope that next time, the chances go in.”
It was good to see Djair Parfitt-Williams score the goal as well, wasn’t it?
MS: “Yeah, Djair is just back from injury. He’s three or four weeks ahead of schedule so it was great for him to be out there today. He’s an amazing football player. He’s got great skills, can score goals and he’ll definitely be one for the future.”
What have you learnt from your time on loan at Peterborough United?
MS: “With Peterborough in League One, I’ve learnt the tough side of the game; the physical side, that every game means something. People are fighting for their lives. It was a good experience for me and I think I’m a stronger person and better player from it.”
Was it great to be back at the Boleyn Ground?
MS: “Yeah, it’s nice. I remember playing here in the Europa League at the beginning of the season so it’s good to be back here to get a game before it is taken down. West Ham is where I want to be. It’s a fantastic Club. This season has been amazing for me, coming from Manchester City, barely playing games, to where I am now. I can’t believe it.”