West Ham United’s U23s Lead Coach Mark Robson has lauded Keenan Appiah-Forson and his ‘unbelievable’ efforts after signing a new contract, while speaking with whufc.com.
Appiah-Forson put pen to paper on a new deal running to 2023 with the option for another year on Tuesday. The 20-year-old has been a fixture of the Hammers’ development side so far this term, while also enjoying his senior debut under David Moyes in the Europa League.
Moyes unleashed the midfielder in the closing stages of the Irons’ final group stage tie with Dinamo Zagreb in December. Appiah-Forson is yet to play outside of those three-minutes in either the Premier League or during a domestic cup so far in his fledgling career, however.
Appiah-Forson is additionally yet to feature in one of Moyes’ matchday squads outside of his first-team debut in December. Dinamo Zagreb’s trip to the London Stadium was also a dead-rubber tie for the Hammers, having already progressed into the knockout stage.
West Ham U23s coach Robson in awe of Appiah-Forson amid star’s new contract
While Moyes has seldom trusted Appiah-Forson, Robson has fielded the West Ham product in all seven of the Hammers’ PL2 fixtures so far since replacing Dmitri Halajko in November.
Appiah-Forson also scored the Irons academy side’s opener in their 1-1 draw at Arsenal last month after assisting against Leeds. He has hit five goals and two assists in 43 U23 games.
Robson has seen clear progress in Appiah-Forson’s game since taking up a role within West Ham’s academy. The youngster – who Hammers teammates have likened to N’Golo Kante, per The Athletic – has also stood out to Robson with his enthusiasm outside of matches.
“Keenan is fully deserving of this new deal,” Robson said. “Since I’ve come in, he has been excellent. His energy levels are unbelievable and every single day, I’m amazed by how he just keeps going. He’s a real pleasure to work with.
“I can honestly say in the few months I’ve been here there’s been some real improvement in him and in his game. He’s a really good lad who gives everything he’s got in every game and every training session.
“His work ethic is as good as anybody I’ve seen in this league at U23s level. He has a real desire to work hard, and he is a shining example for any young player at this level. All the lads and all the staff love him and we’re all really hopeful that he keeps on progressing.”
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