West Ham United U23s stars Nathan Holland and Bernardo Rosa have been nominated for the Premier League 2 Player of the Month award for November.
The nod marks Holland’s second consecutive month making the shortlist, having also been nominated in October for his impressive performances in Claret and Blue.
The 21-year-old winger scored four times and assisted twice across four development fixtures in November, before making his Premier League debut against Wolves earlier this week.
Attacking midfielder turned full-back Rosa is nominated for the award for the first time in his career and has excelled in recent weeks as he continues to adapt to a more defensive role.
The 19-year-old Brazilian registered an assist against in the Premier League 2 Division 2 match against Aston Villa and was a constant attacking threat throughout November as the U23s continued to top Premier League 2 Division 2.
Playing in the Premier League for the first time is a dream come true, it’s what we all work towards, and to get on the pitch last night is a special feeling that I won’t forget.
Nathan Holland
The duo are nominated alongside George Hirst and George Thomas of Leicester City, Danny Cashman of Brighton & Hove Albion, Jamie Soule of West Bromwich Albion and Arnau Puigmal Martinez of Manchester United.
The nominees are compiled by the League’s Football Development Panel, after club coaches put forward the best performance by an opposing player in each of their PL2 matches over the course of the month.
Back-to-back nominations are testament to Holland’s consistency during the first half of the season and the winger was pleased to be recognised once more for his explosive displays.
“November was a good month for me personally and also collectively for us as a team,” he said.
“We enjoyed an important win in the Premier League International Cup against a tough Brighton & Hove Albion team, and I was able to contribute a few more goals and assists, so it’s been good to keep the momentum going.”
Carrying his red hot form into December, Holland made his Premier League debut against Wolves on Wednesday as a second-half substitute.
“Playing in the Premier League for the first time is a dream come true,” he said. “It’s what we all work towards, and to get on the pitch last night is a special feeling that I won’t forget.”
U23s teammate Rosa also expressed his delight at joining Holland amongst the nominees.
“November was an excellent month for me,” said the Brazilian. “I was really pleased with how I played at full back and to get rewarded with a nomination after all my hard work is a great feeling.”
The Academy youngster also took the opportunity to praise the togetherness of the U23s squad.
“The team has worked hard all season and we’ve got great chemistry, all of us. Whether it's on the pitch or off, we’re always working for each other and I hope that continues for the rest of the season."
West Ham United U23s are in action on Friday night as they travel to Motspur Park to take on Fulham U23s in the latest round of fixtures in the Premier League 2 Division 2. Kick-off in south-west London is at 7pm.
