The West Ham United teenager is currently impressing on loan for Oxford United.
West Ham United striker Toni Martinez is making quite a name for himself this season, following up a superb first half of the campaign with the Hammers’ under-23 side with impressive showings for loan club Oxford United.
With FA Cup goals against Newcastle United and Middlesbrough, the teenager continues to prove his fans right, raising questions as to just why West Ham manager Slaven Bilic sent him out on loan rather than giving him a chance at the London Stadium.
But a recent comment from a HITC reader raised an astute point, reminding us all of another West Ham teenager who was tipped for greatness only to fall well short of those expectations.
Freddie Sears came through the Hammers’ academy, scoring for fun at a variety of youth levels before finding the net on his first-team debut.
It was the stuff of dreams but now, at 27, Sears has long since departed West Ham after scoring just twice, and with a career total of 57 goals in 307 appearances he has proved that not every wonder kid goes on to greatness.
Martinez seems considerably more promising and there is a strong belief that he will grow into the real deal with West Ham, but Bilic may be wise to temper expectations and ensure the Spaniard is ready before throwing him in at the deep end.
After all, there is no rush and patience could be key to unlocking his full potential.
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