Ten wins and only one defeat from 12 competitive games. 37 goals scored in those fixtures, with the most prolific attack and the second sharpest defence in Premier League 2 Division 2.
Three points clear at the top of the table – and entertainment abounding in every match. After almost half of the domestic league campaign for Dmitri Halajko’s West Ham United U23s side has been played, it’s safe to let such numbers speak for themselves.
Yet this season, pivotal games have always seemed to loom for the U23s this season, and this week's sees Premier League International Cup action return to East London with the visit of Wolfsburg ‘B’ to Rush Green Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Both teams won their opening group stage games against Valencia ‘B’ last month – West Ham winning 1-0 in Dagenham, while Wolfsburg hit four without reply in Hampshire – and will be looking to take the next step towards qualification for the knockout stages.
19-year-old Bernardo Rosa has started each of the last eight games for the Hammers’ U23s in all competitions, and believes there is massive momentum behind his team ahead of the tricky tie.
“I’m feeling good, and the team’s playing really well right now,” he said. “We’ve put in some great overall team performances recently, and as a result we’re top of the league.
“Our team chemistry is brilliant at the moment, on and off the pitch. It just feels like everything is clicking together and working well and, hopefully, things will stay the same way for us going forwards.
“Everyone’s happy in the dressing room. We’re winning a lot of games, so we just need to keep going in this way, and keep fighting hard.”
I’d never played there [at right-back] before this season – just in midfield, and also winger sometimes – but I did well, and it’s just kept going from there!
Bernardo Rosa
The versatile Brazilian initially rose through the Academy of Football as an attacking midfielder, but has been deployed in a variety of positions throughout this campaign so far including holding midfielder and, most recently, as an attacking right-back.
“There were a lot of injuries at the back at the start of the season,” Rosa explained. “Dmitri [Halajko] and Steve [Potts] suggested I try one game at right-back. I’d never played there before this season – just in midfield, and also winger sometimes – but I did well, and it’s just kept going from there!”
“At the beginning, changing position felt a bit weird! Now, though, it just feels natural to me. I’m glad that I can help the team, whatever position I’m playing in.
“Playing games in different positions has really helped me to get sharp and a better understanding of my roles, as well as more experience around the pitch. Everything’s working well so far.”
Rosa’s confidence in his new surroundings is clearly burgeoning with every game, capped off by his first assist of the season in a 4-1 victory away at Norwich last week, helping to seal the game with a perfectly measured through-ball to Amadou Diallo.
“I finally got an assist from right-back too!” he smiled afterwards. “I’m really pleased about that, it’s been something I’ve been working towards. I got the ball, I looked up and saw Amadou calling for it. His run and movement was great, I made a good pass into him, and he finished it well.”
Qualification for the next round of the Premier League International Cup could yet prove a tight affair, with only the six group winners – plus two best runners-up – making it into the competition’s quarter-finals.
The competition is designed to pit leading English Academy sides against the best development squads in Europe – but Rosa believes the Hammers will be prepared to settle for nothing less than three points.
“We want to win every game we play, including on Wednesday,” he said. “For me personally, I’m happy to play wherever I can help the team do that. I’d like to get better at one-on-one defending as the season goes on, as well as get a better understanding of my new position.
“My goal is just to keep playing well, get as many minutes as possible, and play as much football as I can.”
After the game against Wolfsburg ‘B’ - which you can follow right here on whufc.com with our live blog (kick-off at 7pm) - West Ham United U23s play their final Premier League International Cup game against Brighton & Hove Albion U23s at The People’s Pension Stadium, Crawley, on Wednesday 27 November.
They also resume their Premier League 2 Division 2 campaign away at Swansea’s Landore Training Centre on Sunday lunchtime, with kick-off at 1pm.
