Xande Silva is looking forward to playing alongside compatriot Mesaque Dju for the first time – possibly as soon as Monday evening.
The promising Portuguese pair could both feature for West Ham United’s U23s in a Premier League 2 Division 1 fixture with Liverpool at Chigwell Construction Stadium.
Xande Silva has already made his mark at that level, scoring seven goals in just six matches, while Mesaque Dju will be eager to make his own impact after his debut at Arsenal was cut short by thick fog on 4 February.
The 21-year-old is relishing the prospect of lining up alongside a player who won both UEFA European U17 and U19 Championship honours.
It's a dream to be in the Premier League. I'm very happy to be here. Very happy to work with my teammates
Xande Silva
“He's a good player, in Portugal they speak well of him,” Xande Silva confirmed. “A very fast player, with a lot of technical qualities.
“I think this is a good league for him, and I think he's going to do very well here, he has to do what they (the staff) tells him and play his football and he's going to do fine.”
Xande Silva has followed his own advice since joining West Ham from Vitoria Guimaraes last summer, with successful results.
The forward backed up his impressive Premier League 2 record by making his first-team debut in the Premier League proper at Burnley just after Christmas.
He then caught the eye on his maiden start in the Emirates FA Cup third-round win over Birmingham City at a sold-out London Stadium in early January – an appearance that gave him a real taste for more senior action.
“Everything is great, especially now,” he smiled. “It's a dream to be in the Premier League. I'm very happy to be here. Very happy to work with my teammates.
“It was a dream come true to play in London Stadium. It was a unique experience, that I will remember forever. I hope to be able to play in that field more often.
“I'm always working, always working. That gives me satisfaction. I am a person who likes to experience things. And I think that's nice, to feel that sensation, that adrenaline, and being able to show confidence in my game.
“I arrived here and started playing for the U23, I played and scored many goals, I took a huge step, with the first team it's a dream come true and now I have to show that I belong.”
*West Ham United U23s host their Liverpool counterparts in Premier League 2 Division 1 at Dagenham & Redbridge FC's Chigwell Construction Stadium at 7pm on Monday 18 February.