West Ham’s u21 side last night travelled to Sunderland for a tough away fixture against the Black Cats, with teenager Mohamadou Kanté promoted to the starting line up for the first time, after a couple of cameo appearances since his arrival back from loan to Paris FC this summer.
On occasion the young midfielder has been spotted training with the senior squad at Rush Green and is clearly highly rated despite his relative youth.
Signed as ‘the tenth man’ – the oft-forgotten tenth signing of the Stediten – Lopetegui – Sullivan £140 million splurge of 2024, Mohamadou Kanté was bought from Paris and immediately loaned back to the French second division side for the whole of last season. Little was heard of him but he has burst on to the scene this season- tonight his second goal for the u21’s was created in typically barnstorming style, winning back possession mid-half and then running on to a return pass and fitting in a left footed shot.
Most Read on West Ham News
The Hammers number 8 has a certain mix of power and gawkiness that reminds me a little of Chekiyou Kouyate, having both the height and strength but a lack of refinement which hopefully will develop during his season at Rush Green under the watchful eye of Hammers u21 coach Mark Robson. Graham Potter has already identified something in the teenager, as reported by whufc.com:
“He’s had some pre-season time with us. He’s been doing quite well with the Under-21s. I think it’s a bit early to put him in the bracket of Patrick Vieira! He’s got a bit of work to do. [But] he is a young player and there is potential.”
Kanté spotted training with the senior squad
If he carries on firing in goals, we’ll likely be hearing a lot more about the young midfielder. Final score, incidentally, at full time was Sunderland 2, West Ham 4.