Pierre Ekwah is delighted with the attention to detail that has gone into West Ham United U23s’ preparations for the new season.
The young Hammers face Arsenal U23s at London Stadium on Monday evening (16 August, 7pm kick-off) in an exciting opening to their 2021/22 Premier League 2 Division 1 campaign.
That match comes after a rigorous pre-season period that included three fixtures against senior sides – Southend United (a 5-1 win), Crawley Town (a 2-1 defeat) and Aldershot Town (a 2-2 draw) – for West Ham's development squad.
Ekwah, who featured in all three of those matches against senior opposition for the U23s, believes such tests have built the development squad’s strength and fitness to a high standard ahead of the Premier League 2 season commencement.
“To be challenged up against teams like those is really nice for our development as the U23s. It will prepare us really well for the season ahead," Ekwah told whufc.com.
“Those kinds of games are a great thing that the coaches have put down in our calendar. It prepares us for our development, or when we play [against Football League teams in] the Papa John’s Trophy or go on loan, or even train or play with the first team.
“We need that quickness on the pitch, which is really important when you’re playing at the highest level. It’s really good for us.”
Having transferred from Chelsea in June, Ekwah has spent time during pre-season training with both the first team and U23s.
It’s really nice to train with first-team players and when you come back to the U23s, you just want to do everything that you've seen them doing
Pierre Ekwah
The 19-year-old France youth international has made an impression on both groups with his hard working and humble nature, and has enjoyed playing alongside both senior pros and fellow summer arrival Armstrong Okoflex, who scored three times in pre-season for the U23s.
Ekwah smiled: “It’s really nice to train with first-team players and when you come back to the U23s, you just want to do everything that you've seen them doing.
“The tempo, the high intensity, the physicality that they put in… you just want to do the same. You really know that you’re learning from them, so it’s really nice to be around.
“Armstrong has got great ability. He’s scoring at a really great rate – one against Celtic and two against Aldershot – so he’s showing he’s a really good player. He’s clinical in front of goal and even in the build-up play, he’s great – I’m really enjoying playing with him.”
A month-and-a-half into his West Ham career, Ekwah admits to now feeling settled in Claret and Blue, which he attributes to the people around him.
He smiled: “When I came here people welcomed me with open arms and the adaptation was really easy for me, which I really appreciate.
"The boys and the coaches are easy to get on with. Everyone is really nice here.”
West Ham United U23s return to Premier League 2 Division 1 action against Arsenal at London Stadium on Monday 16 August, with kick-off at 7pm.
Tickets are free for Season Ticket Holders and Claret Members. For non-members, tickets are priced at £5 for Adults and £3 for Concessions/Under-16s. Click here to book or click here for further information.
