Levi Laing believes he and his West Ham United teammates will learn from the experience against tough European opposition, after the U21s fell to a narrow defeat to Sparta Prague on Tuesday evening.
West Ham fell behind on 29 minutes when Martin Ambler struck from inside the area, although the result was perhaps harsh on Mark Robson’s side, who more than held their own against a physical team.
Such experiences are crucial for players looking to bridge that gap to men’s football, with Sparta Prague, who are regulars in the Czech Republic's second division, proving to be a challenging opposition.
Laing remained confident the Hammers can benefit from a tough night in the Dagenham rain and grow from the match against a European outfit.
“It was a hard challenge,” he said. “They were such a physical team but they were able to play as well. It’s the little things. Trying to get in your opponents’ heads and blocking them off. They were very physical, they know the niches of the men’s game inside and out.”
That experience perhaps told in the eventual result, although the Hammers might have seen an equaliser had Pierre Ekwah not seen two second-half efforts well saved by Sparta Prague keeper Vorel Vojtech.
Laing was pleased that the Hammers took the game to their opponents in the second half.
“The boys dug in deep, but we couldn’t get the equaliser which was unfortunate,” he added. “Our energy levels were really good today.”
Of course part of the step up in this age group is leadership - and now Laing, aged 19, is one of the more senior players in the U21s dressing room.
17-year-old Callum Marshall made his first start for the U21s against Sparta Prague, and Laing is ready to help the team both on and off the pitch.
“It’s a lot more communication to lead and help the younger players who have to adapt to u21s football," he said. “I am enjoying that challenge. I’m relishing it, being one of the older ones I have to lead and help the team as well.”
Laing and the rest of the Hammers will aim to bounce back when they travel to Manchester United for Premier League 2 action on Friday evening.
