After spending the first half of the season on loan at EFL League Two outfit Cheltenham Town, Levi Laing returned to West Ham United as the U21s defeated Ebbsfleet United in the National League Cup earlier this month. Applying the lessons learnt during his time in senior football, Laing brought maturity and composure to the young Hammers backline, securing a 2-1 win over their National League counterparts.
He said: “Playing senior football, as opposed to academy, you learn football isn’t always nice! Playing on the floor doesn’t always win you games. There are a lot of moments in games where switching off even momentarily will get you punished, set-pieces especially!”
A humble lad from west London, Laing began his football journey at National League South side Hampton & Richmond Borough at just six years old. As he transitioned into secondary school, spells at Brentford and Arsenal’s academies followed. Approaching the final year of his scholarship with the Gunners, however, Laing was not offered a professional deal. Rather than a setback, for him, it was simply another step on his journey. Two years later, his perseverance would pay off, as he made his senior debut for West Ham United, the club that offered him his first professional contract, during their historic UEFA Europa Conference League-winning season, no less.
“I didn’t get a pro at Arsenal,” Laing continued. “I had injuries at Arsenal, and I needed a fresh start, so I came to West Ham. The first year was tough, I wasn’t playing as much as I wanted to. The next year, though, I kicked on, playing week in, week out. The first team started to take notice. I trained with them regularly, and luckily enough, in March 2023, I made the bench and then my debut in the Conference League.
“I feel very honoured to have played for West Ham. I was on the bench against Derby County in the FA Cup and then against AEK Larnaca in the Conference League. The gaffer, David Moyes, said to me, ‘get ready at half-time, you’re coming on’. I was nervous. I spoke to Dec [Rice], and he calmed me down, while some of the lads gave me a bit of banter. I came on, and taking in the crowd, I was like, ‘wow’. Then you realise, once you step onto the pitch, you’re fine. I kept it simple, kept it moving. After the game, it hit me: ‘I just made my debut for West Ham!’. My phone was pinging off. I remember driving home, and I had to pull over to compose myself!”
From loan spells to senior debuts and overcoming injuries, Laing has had to mature quickly. When recalling his path to professional football, it’s easy to overlook his time with England’s youth set-up, until a reminder of the talent he shared the pitch with. Less than two weeks after England crashed out of the 2018 FIFA World Cup following an agonising extra-time defeat to Croatia, Laing lined up with his Young Lions teammates - the next generation of international stars - to take on Croatia’s U16s. That England team, which defeated the young Croats 2-0, featured names now lighting up European football, including Jude Bellingham, Jamal Musiala, Levi Colwill and Liam Delap.
Laing said: “From when I was young, Jude was always an absolute baller. It’s crazy to think what they’ve achieved at such a young age. Jude and Jamal are arguably the best players in Europe. Levi Colwill is an established Premier League centre-back and an England international. As for Liam Delap, he’s champing at the bit for England and flying in the Premier League. I must say, I’ve played with some good players during my time. That group in particular was special. Everyone got on well. We all had good banter off the pitch; and on the pitch, we were a force to be reckoned with.”
Having had a taste of senior football this season with Cheltenham, Levi is determined to keep growing as a player as he turns his attention to the second half of the campaign.
He said: “My objective for the rest of the season is to play as many games as possible and see what happens. I’ve attained a couple of my career goals, but I’ve still got so much left to achieve. There’s a long way to go!”
Any Questions
Best striker you've come up against?
When I was at Arsenal in a youth tournament in Belgium, I played against Jérémy Doku. He was playing for Anderlecht’s academy and his acceleration was an absolute joke. We had a good battle!
Who would your ideal shirt swap be in the current Premier League?
I’d go for Virgil van Dijk. I look up to him in terms of his playing style, how hard it is to get past him. His demeanour too. Everything about him.
Have you ever been starstruck by someone?
Mesut Özil. A World Cup winner. I remember thinking, this is crazy. You play with him on FIFA and then all of a sudden, you’re training with him in real life. Luckily enough he was on my team in the training game.
Toughest team you've ever faced?
Probably Manchester City, they always have really strong academy teams. However, I also remember Ajax being a very difficult opponent. They had Ryan Gravenberch at the time, and that team, wow… They also had Brian Brobbey, he was built like a man at 15 years old. Those are the best teams I’d say.
What has been the most challenging moment in your career?
I’d say my hamstring injury towards the end of last season. Mentally, prior to that, had been a tough time, then, I did my hamstring, which made things worse. I just wanted to play football. Overcoming it, I had that bit between my teeth and worked really hard.
Who's your best friend in the development squad?
Kam [Swyer]. We’ve been with each other for a long time now and we get on like a house on fire.
Dream stadium to play in?
Signal Iduna Park, Borussia Dortmund. The atmosphere looks incredible. I would love to play in that environment as an away player.
