West Ham United winger Nathan Holland expressed his pride at the U23s’ 1-0 victory against Leicester City on Sunday and explained why he is enjoying his football at the moment.
Dan Kemp’s second half penalty ensured the Hammers moved out of the relegation spots – at least for a day – in Division 1 as the hosts were winners over the Foxes.
And Holland, whose second half performance helped inspire Liam Manning and Steve Potts’ team to a crucial win, described his emotions at the end of what could be a huge day in the east Londoners’ season.
“We are so proud of what we did today,” Holland said. “Kempy [Dan Kemp] stepping up under so much pressure, late on, to win the game, has stuck it in and won the game for us so we’re all delighted to get those points.
“It could have been more. There was a great breakaway we had just after the goal and we had chances. We knew we would get them if we played well. We worked out their weaknesses first half and went out there second half, did what we were told and it worked. We got the rewards so it was great.
“I’m annoyed with Kempy as well; I’m right near the top of the assist table having not played many and he missed that chance, the breakaway, so it could have been more for me!”
After missing a large chunk of the first half of the season, Holland has recovered to now play nine times for the U23s in Premier League 2 and is regaining his best form, something he puts down to hard work and focus.
“I’ve played quite a few for the U23s this season now and I’m really enjoying my football,” he continued. “I’m not thinking about anything else other than that really, at the moment.
“I’m very happy and playing my football and I feel like I am playing well. We have another hard week of training now after some rest and recovery, and we’ll go out there and give it our best shot once again. We have a real chance to get away from the bottom two I think now, so that’s the aim and hopefully we can put another good performance in next Monday.
“Then to finish we have Everton and they’re my old team, but it’s just another game at the end of the day and I’ll just go out there and do my stuff. They’ll be fighting for the title and we’re down there battling relegation, so it’s a huge one.”
Holland played on the left-flank against Leicester, with Jack Wilshere – who returned to action having not played since December – to his right in central midfield. The winger described playing alongside someone with the qualities of the 27-year-old.
“He’s a player with so much ability on the ball and it makes a difference having him in the side with you,” said Holland. “He has so much quality and it was good for us to have him in the team.
“He has the ability to be able to spot great passes and for a winger like me, that’s always nice to have somebody who can pick out your run because his thinking is quicker than so many of the opponents’. It was great to play with Jack and hopefully he can continue with his recovery in a positive way.”