Martin Samuelsen is an unfamiliar name to anyone other than a West Ham or Peterborough United fan, but he certainly stole the headlines with his fantastic solo winner against Sheffield United. Is this just the start of what’s to come for the young Norweigan?
That skill from @samuelseen before the second goal was genuinely ridiculous! Not sure even Boyd attempted anything like that!
— Phil While (@philwhile) December 26, 2015
Samuelsen had already performed a few cameos for Posh faithful, including a plethora of skills almost leading to a memorable goal against Chesterfield, and is the name on many fan’s lips. Indeed, his skills have even earned him a fantastic solo goal against Sheffield, even impressing the likes of Conor Washington and Erhun Oztumer, who both had scored two before his winner. Of course, prior to any comparisons to George Boyd or any top player can be made, Samuelsen has yet to fully prove himself. However, after his recent performances, Graham Westley will be considering giving Samuelsen a starting place. It’s important that the young rising star is eased into the game and protected. No player wants to be beaten by any of those outrageous skills, let alone by an 18-year-old, and very often some heavy challenges may go flying in.
An interesting comparison would be how Nathan Oduwa has excelled in the Scottish Premier League but is targeted to be fouled to stop him in his tracks. It’s a negative part of football, yet it is common and needs to be safeguarded against.
There’s no doubt that Samuelsen does have potential, even if he was sold by Manchester City. The talent is showcased in Samuelsen’s caps for his national team, featuring for Norway under 16s right through to the under 18s. Maybe he’ll be featuring in the Norway first team if he keeps going. How much potential cannot be estimated, but it’s a case of so far so good for Samuelsen. He already provides that attacking spark for Peterborough United. He already terrorises defences, splitting them open with immaculate, jaw-dropping skill. What’s not to like?
Read more at http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2015/June/20-June/Hammers-snap-up-highly-rated-youngster#7cILocTbr0oIbp1J.99
One major question is whether Peterborough United will ask to extend the loan deal for Martin Samuelsen. From West Ham’s point of view, the deal makes sense for the player is proving that he is quite comfortable at his current club, as shown by his performances on the pitch. On the other hand, West Ham may decide that Samuelsen could provide some substitute appearances for them instead, or even to be used in the Cup. Arguably, the best option is to keep Samuelsen at London Road, which would benefit both clubs and the player more. League One really isn’t the division of dreams, but it will act as a stepping stone to the Premier League, and this inferior quality will allow Samuelsen to develop his game. Peterborough’s transfer deals are yet to be revealed, but one solid transfer that Darragh MacAnthony could arrange early would be to renew Samuelsen’s loan deal. Samuelsen would really give Posh that little something, whether he is given the last 30 minutes of the game to work his magic, or maybe longer. If Posh want to achieve promotion, they’ll need a little bit of spice; Martin Samuelsen can provide it.
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