View: Rice-esque West Ham star player sensation destined for senior debut after what he did
West Ham United: David Moyes cannot ignore Lewis Orford any longer, likened to Declan Rice
David Moyes must take notice of West Ham youngster Lewis Orford, especially after his performance during the Under-21s’ tough defeat to Ajax on Tuesday (9 April).
Despite taking a 2-0 lead against the Dutch side, and Mason Terry saving a spot-kick, the young Hammers conceded two late goals to lose 3-2 in the Premier League International Cup.
Orford can hold his head high, however, having scored a sensational effort from the centre of midfield. He pick-pocketed an Ajax midfielder before smashing the ball into the top corner.
West Ham are extremely limited when it comes to the depth in midfield, especially when Edson Alvarez has been unavailable. The displays from Kalvin Phillips could make room for the 18-year-old prospect.
The young midfielder is very versatile, an aspect of his game that should entice Moyes, especially with his ability to drop into the centre of defence.
In 2022, Orford was likened to Declan Rice and Michael Carrick in an article by The Guardian. John Brewin wrote (27 September 2022): “West Ham continues to be a production line for midfielders and Orford, a lifelong fan, might be the latest to follow Declan Rice, Mark Noble, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole and Michael Carrick.
“His height reminds of Rice and Carrick though he exhibits a greater turn of pace than either, with a range of passing beyond his years that has made him the Hammers’ Under-18 playmaker.”
It would be incredible to think how much the midfielder has developed and improved since then.
Could David Moyes hand Lewis Orford his first West Ham United chance?
Orford has been on the first-team bench on multiple occasions this season, in the Premier League and Europa League, but has not yet stepped foot on the pitch for his debut.
Moyes will be more than aware of his talents and skills, though his goal against Ajax on Tuesday night will still come as a surprise to many.
Lewis Orford’s sensational strike 🤩🚀 pic.twitter.com/1vrGSpKKnc
— West Ham United (@WestHam) April 9, 2024
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The young prospect has notched five goals and five assists in all competitions, especially starring in West Ham’s EFL Trophy run before being knocked out by Wycombe Wanderers in the round of 16.
Even at the tender age of 18, Moyes must take a chance on Orford, especially if Phillips continues to make mistakes during his loan from Manchester City.
In other West Ham news, Jason Cundy and Jamie O’Hara argued about the latest controversy live on air.
