West Ham United U23s’ Bernardo Rosa is happy to play wherever necessary to help the side maintain its unbeaten run.
Having started Monday night’s 2-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion U23s in an advanced midfield role, the introduction of Joe Powell at half-time saw Rosa drop in to play right-back for the second half.
Playing such different roles within the same match can be demanding, admits Rosa – but he is happy to do so if it benefits the wider team and helps them maintain their Premier League 2 Division 2 title bid.
“I played right-back up at Newcastle last month, so I had a little bit of experience there beforehand,” he explained. “It’s not always easy playing in a different position, but sometimes you have to do it for the good of the team.
“We were all delighted to win tonight, because it was a tough game. We lacked concentration in the first half but the second half was really good from us. We kept the ball, we created a lot, and we took our chances when we needed to.”
We always show a lot of character. We've shown a lot of character to come back from poor first halves to win the game in the second.
Bernardo Rosa
The versatile player has represented lead coach Dmitri Halajko’s side in a variety of positions and settings this season, including starting the recent 5-4 victory away to Newport County in the Leasing.com Trophy.
Highlights: West Ham United U23s 2-0 West Bromwich Albion U23s
The tenacious attitude displayed that evening, repeated when the Hammers came under the cosh against West Brom last night, has been crucial to the team’s brilliant form so far this season, according to the talented Brazilian.
“We always show a lot of character,” Rosa observed. “In the Newport game, and in this game, we’ve shown a lot of character to come back from poor first halves to win the game in the second.
“At half-time we knew we had to be better with and without the ball. We knew we needed to improve, and that we should keep the ball better – so our quality in the second half was much higher than we showed in the first.
“We’re unbeaten in 14 games now, and the atmosphere in the dressing room is so good. Everyone is happy, but also focused on keeping up that record.”
Rosa also set his sights on the U23s’ next league opponents – Middlesbrough U23s – whom they face in the North-East at Bishop Auckland FC on Friday night.
He said: “We’re all looking forward to Middlesbrough. We know it’s going to be a tough game again, but if we start better than we did today, we know we can win it.”
