With many of West Ham United’s players away on international duty there are interesting new perspectives being given by overseas journalists on players they’re having an opportunity to judge first hand: It would seem that Hammers’ youngster Mateus Fernandes is quietly impressing all those watching him take his first steps as a full international.
Fernandes was captain of Portugal’s under 21 side but has now stepped up to his country’s full senior squad. Whether or not he receives a full debut in their upcoming away friendly fixtures against first Mexico on Sunday and then USA on Wednesday remains in the balance.
Right now every player on international duty is focused on getting into his nation’s squad for the World Cup – which is just ten weeks away.
According to sportwitness.co.uk Fernandes is backed to succeed despite his natural shy demeanour:
We know the quality of players in his position, but being called up for a final squad gives him a stamp of great quality. And because of his humility, he can have a very big impact…
Mateus Fernandes training with Portugal’s senior squad
Most Read on West Ham News
“He has to enjoy this time with the national team. If he manages to make his debut, that will be fantastic. If not, he will continue his path of development and there will be other opportunities…Despite being 21 years old, he shows above-average maturity for his age.”
Fernandes must be amongst several desperate for a call to the World Cup squad: With a national side already boasting a midfield with the likes of Samu Costa, Vitinha, Joao Neves, Rúben Neves, Neto, Conceicao and Bruno Fernandes, starting places will be hugely contested.
However the opportunity for the still twenty one year-old Hammer to rub shoulders with some seriously talented players can only benefit his own career development and ensure an even better player returns from international duty for the Premier League climax that awaits.
(main image: Paulo Ladeira / Bola na Rede)