Divin Mubama revealed he is constantly learning from his West Ham United teammates after scoring his third goal in as many pre-season games as the Hammers rounded off their Australia tour in style with a 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Optus Stadium.
Mubama expertly glanced Emerson Palmieri’s cross in to the far corner to double the Hammers’ lead in Perth, after Danny Ings had opened the scoring with a stooping header just minutes earlier.
And the east Londoner was happy to claim local bragging rights over our London rivals, despite the game being played 9,000 miles away.
“It’s always good to win a derby and to get on the scoresheet is just a bonus,” said Mubama afterwards.
After featuring six times for David Moyes’ side last season, the talented youngster was keen to make an impression after being included in the starting line-up against Tottenham, following a goalscoring cameo against Perth Glory three days earlier.
The Academy of Football graduate caught eye with a lively display, causing problems for the Spurs defence and combining well with fellow frontman Ings.
The 18 year old forward was full of praise for his experienced teammate and the impact of being around the Hammers first-team squad over the last few days.
“Danny helped me on the pitch tonight with his experience and I get to see it every day in training," Mubama continued. "I’m the first to ask him about tips for finishing and things that can help my game.
"With all the experienced boys on the pitch tonight, I’m learning from them every day and it’s special.
"First and foremost off the pitch you learn how to take care of yourself, I think when you’re around professionals everyday you learn so much, not just on the pitch but off it especially with things like what they eat and stuff like that.
"For us youngsters it’s about trying to take little things along the way and add them to our own game.”
Mubama, who was named Mark Noble Young Hammer of the Year last season following his prolific goalscoring form for the Under-18 and Under-21 teams, is keen to build on his impressive start to pre-season as Moyes’ side prepare for friendlies against Dagenham & Redbridge, Rennes and Bayer Leverkusen in the coming weeks.
“Every time I get a chance to play and show the Gaffer what I can do I just want to work hard and to score goals is a bonus,” he added.
