West Ham United manager David Moyes has waxed lyrical about Hammers academy graduate Levi Laing.
The West Ham boss spoke to football.london following the Europa Conference League win over Larnaca.
Laing made his senior debut for the Hammers on Thursday, coming on for the last 21 minutes of the game.
The 19-year-old wasn’t tested particularly hard, but he did make a number of good clearances.
Laing currently plies his trade in the Under-21s, with 20 appearances at age level this season.
Of those, 17 have come in the Premier League 2 and three have come in the EFL Trophy.
West Ham’s meeting with Larnaca saw a number of academy players take to the pitch.
As well as Laing, Divin Mubama and Freddie Potts also came on off the bench.
After the game, football.london asked Moyes what he had made of Laing after his debut.
“He’s done quite well,” replied the Hammers boss.
“He’s a really good 1v1 defender. We like him, he’s quick, doesn’t get beaten easily.
“To get young centre-halves a game is very difficult in the Premier League. Very few, but I can think of some.
“He’s making his way through the 21s and I’ve been trying to get an opportunity to play him.
“And tonight, he got his chance.”
It’s great to see the likes of Laing make their debuts and get game time after coming through the ranks.
Likewise, it’s good to hear Moyes speak so highly about him. Hopefully there’s more to come from the defender.
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