West Ham United Academy scholar Dan Chesters has enjoyed an excellent 19/20 campaign thus far.
A regular in the Hammers U18s, the 17-year-old midfielder was rewarded for his bright start to the season with a substitute appearance for the U23s against Swansea last Sunday.
Chesters made an immediate impact upon his introduction, winning the ball back in the centre of midfield before playing it to Dan Kemp to score West Ham’s fourth of the afternoon.
Seeing the creative midfielder make an impact from the bench will have pleased U18s lead coach Kevin Keen, who remained in Swansea to watch the U23s a day after his side had won 8-2 at Landore.
I just try to put myself about whenever I am on the pitch. That’s something I like to try and do, make sure that I try and win the ball back, and work hard when we don’t have it.
Dan Chesters
“I’m very happy with how I got on against Swansea,” smiled Chesters. “I just tried to get on the ball and make stuff happen. I was really pleased to get the assist for Kempy’s (Dan Kemp) goal as well.”
The young midfielder prides himself on his high work-rate and desire to regain possession, both desirable qualities in the management styles of Keen and U23s Lead Coach Dmitri Halajko.
“I just try to put myself about whenever I am on the pitch. That’s something I like to try and do, make sure that I try and win the ball back, and work hard when we don’t have it.”
Transitioning between age groups at Academy level presents a number of challenges for a young player but adjusting to the speed of the game is key, says Chesters.
“The main difference between U18s football and U23s football is the tempo, and the way that the ball moves. In U23s football the ball moves much faster, and it’s certainly way more of a physical battle than it is at U18 level.”
After making a handful of appearances for the U23s last season, Chesters has his eye on holding down a more regular spot in the development squad.
“My main target for the rest of the season is to keep trying to get into the U23s squad,” he said. “I’m playing really well at the minute and that’s my goal, hopefully I’m able to do that, and we’ll see what happens.”
West Ham United U18s continue their U18 Premier League South campaign with a trip to Leicester on Saturday 9 November.