Highly rated goalkeeper Rihards Matrevics has signed a scholarship with the Club
West Ham United are delighted to announce that highly rated goalkeeper Rihards Matrevics has signed a scholarship with the Club.
The 16-year-old Latvian, a towering figure at 6’7, is rated among one of the most promising young goalkeepers in Europe.
As the shot-stopper is under 18, the deal remains subject to FIFA approval and International clearance.
Speaking after signing his scholarship, the Latvian U17 international said: “I am really delighted to have a signed. I’ve worked hard for this, and it’s always nice to for that to be recognised.
“I found out I was signing the contract only a few days ago but it’s something I’ve been hoping would happen for a while now.”
Despite his tender years, Matrevics has an impressive maturity, both on and off the pitch, and this has no doubt helped him to settle into life in a new country.
“I’m really enjoying my football here in England so far. It’s quite different to life in Latvia where my friends and family are. It is sacrifice and at times it is tough, but I love it at West Ham so it’s all worth it.
“The Academy staff are excellent at helping me and the other boys settle in. Obviously I’m still quite young.”
Despite only being at the club for a short time, Matrevics has already impressed fellow teammates and coaches alike, as well as trained with the first team.
“I love training alongside Adrian and the other first team goalkeepers. It’s very different to the standard in Latvia. It’s a great learning experience and I really enjoy it.
“Out of the strikers Andy Carroll has definitely got the hardest shot, the power he gets is unbelievable. I’ve saved a few of his shots; it’s always a great feeling when you make a save against a Premier League player of his quality.”
Having committed his future, the 16-year-old, who identified Manuel Neuer and Thibaut Courtois as his goalkeeping idols, stated his aims for his first season in Claret and Blues.
“This season, I want to make my way into the U18s, see how I do there and maybe make a few appearances for the U21s.
“I made my international debut last year against Belarus. I did alright, it wasn’t my best game ever but hopefully there’ll be more to come.
“Playing for my country is a huge honour, it is hard to describe how special it really is. Alongside playing for a Premier League club it is something I have been dreaming about for a while.”
The 16-year-old Latvian, a towering figure at 6’7, is rated among one of the most promising young goalkeepers in Europe.
As the shot-stopper is under 18, the deal remains subject to FIFA approval and International clearance.
Speaking after signing his scholarship, the Latvian U17 international said: “I am really delighted to have a signed. I’ve worked hard for this, and it’s always nice to for that to be recognised.
“I found out I was signing the contract only a few days ago but it’s something I’ve been hoping would happen for a while now.”
Despite his tender years, Matrevics has an impressive maturity, both on and off the pitch, and this has no doubt helped him to settle into life in a new country.
“I’m really enjoying my football here in England so far. It’s quite different to life in Latvia where my friends and family are. It is sacrifice and at times it is tough, but I love it at West Ham so it’s all worth it.
“The Academy staff are excellent at helping me and the other boys settle in. Obviously I’m still quite young.”
Despite only being at the club for a short time, Matrevics has already impressed fellow teammates and coaches alike, as well as trained with the first team.
“I love training alongside Adrian and the other first team goalkeepers. It’s very different to the standard in Latvia. It’s a great learning experience and I really enjoy it.
“Out of the strikers Andy Carroll has definitely got the hardest shot, the power he gets is unbelievable. I’ve saved a few of his shots; it’s always a great feeling when you make a save against a Premier League player of his quality.”
Having committed his future, the 16-year-old, who identified Manuel Neuer and Thibaut Courtois as his goalkeeping idols, stated his aims for his first season in Claret and Blues.
“This season, I want to make my way into the U18s, see how I do there and maybe make a few appearances for the U21s.
“I made my international debut last year against Belarus. I did alright, it wasn’t my best game ever but hopefully there’ll be more to come.
“Playing for my country is a huge honour, it is hard to describe how special it really is. Alongside playing for a Premier League club it is something I have been dreaming about for a while.”