West Ham United U23s striker Sean Adarkwa sees no reason why his side can’t further their impressive form at the top of the league table.
Speaking ahead of the U23s’ first of three Premier League 2 Division games at London Stadium this season – Stoke City U23s are the visitors on Monday 17 February – Adarkwa is confident the team possesses both the quality and charisma to succeed.
The 19-year-old striker was unfortunate to spend the first half of the campaign recovering from injury, after making only a brief substitute appearance for the U23s in August.
With quiet determination, however, Adarkwa has nevertheless set about making up for lost time in 2020, starting and scoring in both of the team’s recent away league games.
His first came midway through January in the 3-3 draw at Reading, connecting well with a corner at the near post, before his second duly arrived in the 4-2 win over Sunderland last week, clinically converting Xande Silva’s skilful set-up to clinch the result.
We always know we have the ability within the squad and the mental strength to win a game, [and] that we should win a game
Sean Adarkwa
The trip to Sunderland also marked Adarkwa’s first full game since returning from his injury troubles, and the striker believes the match’s course reflects both the belief and the ability ubiquitous throughout the side.
“It felt good to get my first full 90 minutes under my belt after coming back from injury,” he smiled afterwards. “To add another goal to that as well was a great feeling.
“It was an exciting game to be a part of. With 10 minutes to go, we were thinking we might lose it, but deep down inside I knew we were going to win the game.
“We always know we have the ability within the squad and the mental strength to win a game, that we should win a game – and against Sunderland, we did just that.”
Adarkwa’s timely return to action coincides with the loan departures of a number of U23s forwards during the January transfer window.
Having joined West Ham’s Academy in 2017, Adarkwa learned a thing or two about making an impact when granted an opportunity, impressing enough as a first-year scholar to be given his U23 debut that same season.
The window of opportunity is there, therefore, for Adarkwa to once again showcase his potential at London Stadium, as the U23s look to hold onto their unbeaten record in, and two-point lead at the top of, Premier League 2 Division 2 on Monday.
“We’ve always got quality,” Adarkwa observed. “For me, personally, every game I’m looking for a goal. There won’t be a game I won’t give my all in to get on the scoresheet.
“I want to be reliable striker, so any time we’re in trouble, I want to be there for the team to make those threatening runs and score as many goals as I can.”
West Ham United U23s return to Premier League 2 Division 2 action against Stoke City at London Stadium on Monday 17 February, with kick-off 7pm.
Tickets are free for Season Ticket Holders and Claret Members. For non-members, they are priced at £5 for Adults and £3 for Over-65s/Under-21s. Click here to book.
