Armstrong Okoflex is expecting West Ham United U21s to take plenty of positives and benefits from their 2-1 victory over Ebbsfleet United.
The young Hammers claimed their first win of the pre-season fixture schedule at the Kuflink Stadium on Friday evening against the experienced National League South side, with Okoflex netting twice in the first half.
Having converted from the penalty spot and smashing home at the near post just before half-time, the versatile forward was happy with his own involvement in the match, playing 75 minutes, and believes the team’s collective fitness will rise after the challenge against Ebbsfleet.
“It was a good test for the boys,” Okoflex told whufc.com. “The coach mixed up the squad so all the lads got some minutes, which was good for everyone. It was beneficial for everyone to play against such tough, first team opposition.
“They beat us last year in pre-season too, so it was a show of our improvement as a team in the last 12 months. We did well.
“I’m always happy to score. I just want to be fit and be able to play. I’m still trying to build my fitness up and that’s coming for me with each game. The biggest thing for me is getting my fitness to where it needs to be for the start of the season.”
The 20-year-old has spent the last couple of weeks training mainly with the senior squad, under the guidance of first-team manager David Moyes and his backroom staff.
Having worked hard in Scotland and Evian, France, with the first team, Okoflex is feeling the benefits of the step-up in levels.
“It was a good experience. It’s been a tough couple of weeks. I’m trying to still adapt to it. I don’t mind admitting it’s tough, because it’s meant to be tough.
“We’re getting there, slowly but surely. Hopefully I can get even more opportunities to show what I can do. But it’s been a good experience.”
Having joined the Hammers last summer, Okoflex is eager to kick on after a fruitful first campaign in Claret and Blue, and show even more of his ability and character in the 2022/23 season.
The winger knows pre-season is a good opportunity to build his platform to do exactly that.
“I want to kick on here,” he added. “I’m comfortable and I’m enjoying it here. I just want to push on really and do what it takes.
“I want to get as fit as possible and play my best football to give myself the best chance of getting into the first team.”
