[ad_1]
Ben Johnson and Jayden Fevrier were named the Young Hammer of the Year 2020/21 and Dylan Tombides Award winners respectively.
The two young talents have experienced flagship campaigns in Bordeaux and Blue, with Johnson make a career-high 20 first-team appearances and February, an academic last season, reaching double U-23 appearances and putting in several superb performances in the FA Youth Cup.
During the campaign, the 21-year-old full-back Johnson was also able to celebrate the Premier League debut at Old Trafford, the Etihad Stadium and St James’ Park, as well as his first professional goal: a precise finish in the 2-2 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion on December 27.
The dynamic 18-year-old winger February, meanwhile, fought back from a knee ligament injury in the previous campaign to play a central role in the U23’s response to the Premier League 2 Division 1, also recording five other goals and four assists for the U18s.
Neither player was aware of their achievement until they were presented with their trophies by Academy Director Ricky Martin during the club’s 2020/21 Player Awards release.
“It’s actually a shock! Johnson beamed. “You never expect to win a prize like this. I’m just really proud to win this award.
“It’s just an amazing feeling. Players who have won this before, to see what they’ve done… obviously Declan Rice, James Tomkins and Jack Collison, look what they’ve done in their careers!
“I’m just trying to keep going. I haven’t succeeded yet. I’m still at the start line so I just have to keep working hard and give it one hundred percent.
Martin told Johnson: “Last season you brought honor to the Academy. We are really proud of you and what you have accomplished.
“You have great talent and a great attitude. Everyone at the Academy wants you to succeed and hopefully get even more starts for West Ham United.”
February added: “It feels good to win this award. I feel proud.
“Last season was good for me. It started with a few injuries, but I picked up the pace and performed well in the important games, helping us qualify for the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup.
“I just like to play true to my identity. I always tell myself that every time I step on the pitch there is someone who has never seen me play, so I want to give them the best impression of me. I like to have an impact on the game, so if I can do it with a goal, an assist or beat a man, I’ll take that opportunity.
Martin said of February during the presentation: “Jayden has been brilliant. He started the season with the Under-18s and made his entry into the Under-23, getting double the number of appearances.
“He broke in there and had a really solid performance. When we look back at the turn of the year, when the U23 needed results, it was some of our young players who helped the U23 to get results that have gone beyond us. the line. “
The Dylan Tombides Award is presented annually to the Academy of Football’s outstanding scholar, and is named in honor of the late West Ham United and Australian U23 forward Tombides, who tragically died aged 20 in April 2014.
Academy coach Carlton Cole said: “This is a special award, named after the late Dylan Tombides. I am an ambassador for the DT38 Foundation and have seen the great work they do to raise awareness about testicular cancer.
“West Ham and the Academy are linked to the Foundation. When we see players like Jayden win this award, it shows how much youth means at West Ham, and that we will always remember Dylan and hold his name in high regard.
“It is a great thing for the Club and for the Academy.”
For more information on DT38 and the fight against testicular cancer, Click here.
[ad_2]
