West Ham youngster Airidas Golambeckis has been named in the Guardian Next Generation list of all 20 Premier League clubs.
Jacob Steinberg has lauded the 16-year-old’s ball-playing abilities and despite being a centre-back by trade, he has been tipped to play in central midfield as well.
Golambeckis has already represented Lithuania at the youth level but his form for the Hammers’ under-18s side and his featuring in Premier League 2 for the under-21s, has caught England’s eye.
Steinberg wrote in the Guardian: “The teenager is regarded as a top prospect by academy staff at West Ham.
“Golambeckis is prized because of his elegant defending and his ease in possession should stand him in good stead given the growing importance of playing out from the back.
“It also makes central midfield an option for the 16-year-old, who made his debut for England Under-18s last month. He had previously represented Lithuania at youth level but his form for West Ham’s Under-18s last season has caught England’s eye.
“A measure of his progress is that he has already featured for West Ham Under-21s in Premier League 2.”
West Ham fans have every reason to be excited about Airidas Golambeckis
Known for his defending and proficient ball-playing abilities, Golambeckis’ style aligns perfectly with Julen Lopetegui’s tactical emphasis on possession and playing out from the back.
His adaptability to play not just as a centre-back but also in midfield, where he can contribute to the build-up play, makes him an important prospect to keep tabs on.
This versatility, combined with his international experience at youth levels for both Lithuania and now England, highlights his rapid development and adaptability, traits that are invaluable in modern football.
His progression through the youth ranks at West Ham to featuring in Premier League 2 games at such a young age indicates a bright future, potentially offering fans moments of excitement with his composed performances and could well be on Lopetegui’s radar for future squad considerations.
Fans also like the next big thing coming from their academies as they loved the development Declan Rice showed at a young age.
It may be premature to make any Rice comparisons now, but there is a player in Golambeckis that the supporters should be excited about.
