The West Ham United midfielder shone in the EFL Cup but he should not be starting in the league just yet.
West Ham United put in a fine performance to overcome Bolton Wanderers 3-0 in the third round of the EFL Cup this week. However, Hammers fans should not expect too much too soon when it comes to one of the stars on the night, Sead Haksabanovic.
The 18-year-old played just over an hour against the Trotters and on early evidence he possess the same skill set as another West Ham player in the form of Manuel Lanzini.
With the Argentine play-maker currently out injured, it would be easy to suggest that Haksabanovic should start against Tottenham Hotspur this weekend. But Hammers boss Slaven Bilic should ease the teenager into league action, selecting him on the bench over the next few weeks.
Bolton offered little threat and were soundly beaten and, while Haksabanovic still impressed, it is a huge step up to expect him to shine in the top flight without a single minute in that competition to date.
What the 18-year-old needs is a transitional period, getting his first experience of a Premier League match day squad and then getting minutes when circumstances allow.
It is one thing impressing in a cup game against lower league opposition and quite another doing the same against some of England’s top clubs.
In time Haksabanovic should be one of the first names on West Ham’s team sheet, but not yet.
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