Espirito Santo excited by West Ham youngster after impressive display in win over Southampton | OneFootball

Nuno Espirito Santo hailed Joshua Ajala’s quality after the youngster scored twice in West Ham’s 4-1 Carabao Cup win over Southampton.

Ajala struck twice as the Hammers secured a convincing victory at St Mary’s, with Taty Castellanos and Jarrod Bowen also on target.

Nuno was impressed with the teenager’s display but insisted there is still plenty of room for the forward to develop.

“Joshua Ajala is a boy with quality, a lot of things to improve,” he said.

“I always say that there’s always a big, big space to improvement as long as we keep committed and confident in the process.

“The players that come in now, joining us later, are starting to gel, also knowing each other better, trusting ourselves and we have to keep going.”

The result provided a welcome boost for West Ham following their defeat to Charlton on Saturday, with Nuno praising the travelling fans for their backing.

“The fans are always there for us,” he added.

“We owe them badly, so it’s good for us to have a night like this, especially winning a game away from home in a tough place and celebrating.

“We’re going to need them and we know they’re going to trust us and support us.

“As long as we show this attitude, this commitment, we can count on them.”