Now that the ‘pathway’ through from academy football to first team calls-up has been created with the [Scarles](https://www.claretandhugh.info/ollie-scarles-effect-potter-protege-creates-huge-west-ham-boost/) effect in full swing, it can only be a matter of time before Hammers’ under 21 number nine gets his shot at senior football.
**Josh Ajala** scored again last night – a really good half volley after receiving the ball on the edge of the box and firing past Leicester’s keeper.
That is a total of ten goals now for the young Striker this season, and surely form like that, with West Ham needing forward players who can put the ball in the next, can only result in more opportunity knocking for the youngster.
The 18 year old is already an England development squad international and has trained with the Hammers’ first team – Lopetegui did bring Ajala into the senior squad at the end of 2024.
It cannot be long before Ajala finds himself moving up in the world: This summer’s rebuild is an excellent opportunity for the young Hammer to impress the boss when the summer tour to the USA beckons.
Sadly, after taking the lead, Hammers’ u21’s lost 3-2 with Lewis Orford having a penalty well saved and then Leicester scoring the winner in the last few minutes. Great entertainment for free streamed on West Ham’s YouTube channel – and a super advert for West Ham’s academy.