The teenage prodigy whose fearless displays can secure survival for West Ham – opinion

One of the brightest prospects to have emerged from what has predominantly been a turgid season for West Ham is right back Jeremy Ngakia. He has only featured in two Premier League games this season, both versus Liverpool, but against the champions-elect, he has made a lasting impression.

Manager David Moyes was the first to point it out after the most recent defeat to Jurgen Klopp’s side, saying: “Jeremy was terrific. [Sadio] Mane has been as anyone in Europe, would give any top full back a run for his money, and I thought that Jeremy did a great job on him.” The Hammers manager gave hope Ngakia might feature more regularly by adding: “Sometimes you put the young boys in and they give you great hope.”

It appears already the 19-year-old may have eclipse Pablo Zabaleta in the pecking order after twice featuring ahead of him against the Premier League leaders. With Ryan Fredricks on the treatment table indefinitely, there could be plenty more appearances for the teenager on the horizon as the relegation battle heats up.

Based on his baptisms of fire against the Reds, Ngakia has shown he is up to the task. As per WhoScored, no player has averaged more tackles for West Ham than Ngakia’s four every 90 minutes, while he has also provided an average of 1.5 interceptions per game and two clearances. Obviously, the sample size is particularly small, and the Hammers had a large proportion of defending to do against the Reds, but Ngakia did not wilt under pressure, far from it, and emerged with his head held high.

Since Moyes took charge of West Ham only A.F.C Bournemouth, 17, and Aston Villa, 19, have conceded more goals than the Hammers’ 16 in eight matches, as per Transfermarkt. However, only five sides in the top-flight have scored more than West Ham’s 12 goals in that period. Fixing their frail defence appears the best route to Moyes keeping his team in the Premier League and based on first impressions, Ngakia could be the man for the job. The teenager has emerged as a prime candidate for the right back position with two fearless displays against the Merseyside goliath.