Development Squad midfielder Sebastian Lletget has been in fine form this season. The skilful Californian has started five of the first six league matches, with two assists to his name.
With the likes of young players such as Reece Oxford, Kieran Bywater and Reece Burke making the step up from U18s to Dev Squad regulars, Nick Haycock has been keen to use Lletget as a calm, experienced figure.
Following a goal against Peterborough United U21s in a 4-2 victory during the international break, the American played three days later against a full strength Norwich City at the Boleyn.
The Dev Squad host Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday 15 October at the Boleyn Ground. Kick-off is 7pm, with tickets priced at £3 for adults, £1 for U16s and FREE for Season Ticket Holders
Reflecting on the 2-1 defeat by Norwich, he said: "I thought they were excellent as we expected them to be. They're a good Championship side and they named a strong team. But credit to our boys too, especially our back three. I think we coped well, we let in a sloppy second goal, but that happens sometimes."
Lletget can play in a number of roles across the midfield on attack and against Norwich, he played alongside club captain Kevin Nolan to form an effective partnership.
"I don't really know where my best position is at the moment. I seem to do ok in a lot of different positions. Last Friday I did well in the midfield and hopefully that keeps on going.
"I thought I did alright. I tried to lead the team from midfield and control the play when we had the ball. It was a shame I couldn't score, my shot at the end was blocked. I thought I did alright, I was pretty tired at the end having played 70 minutes against Peterborough earlier in the week."
Looking ahead to the game against Spanish side Athletic Club Bilbao on Wednesday, Lletget is expecting a tough game.
"I expect them to keep the ball well, like a typical Spanish side. They'll be very good on the ball. We're going to counter at them with pace and concentrate on the things that we're good at."
Haycock's men will also host Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven and London rivals Fulham in their Barclays U21 Premier League International Cup Group B.
The Dev Squad have had a tough start to their domestic league campaign, winning one of their first six games. However, the Hammers go into the match on Wednesday with renewed confidence having taken four points from their last two games.
Lletget remains positive and is convinced the Hammers will come good with time: "It's been a rough start as far as results have gone so far. But we have to keep going, our performances have been good in parts. A lot of individuals have started to shine so hopefully that keeps going and I think we'll improve as the season goes on."
West Ham United's remaining group fixtures will both be played at home. We will face PSV Eindhoven at the Boleyn Ground on Wednesday 19 November with a 7pm kick-off, and Fulham at Rush Green on Monday 8 December with a 7pm kick-off.
In addition, our Barclays U21 Premier League home fixture against Chelsea has been moved to Monday 1 December. This game will be played at Rush Green with a 7pm kick-off.