Right now, Ajibola Alese has the world at his feet, and deservedly so.

Featuring in the heart of defence for the youthful Hammers side that completely nullified the threat of Manchester United in their Premier League 2 clash on Monday evening, it would be fair to say that the precocious defender has fully matured beyond doubt.

West Ham sit in sixth in the division table, a marquee five places above their opponents on the night and the 3-0 win they mustered might have added further gloss to Alese's top drawer performance, but the handwriting which was already on the wall suggested the quality Terry Westley has on his hands.

Aged just 16, the teenage prodigy already has two Premier League 2 appearances under his belt for West Ham this season after impressive outings for the U18s and his continued improvement looked to have even tipped the scale much more in his favour.

Alongside another Nigerian whizkid, Olatunji Akinola, the Hammers defence looked impenetrable as Mathew Olosunde and his side which equally featured The Red Devils first-teamer, James Wilson failed to get to grips with the rhythm of the game.

Having formerly courted interest from Liverpool and Manchester City before committing to West Ham in July last year, Alese is highly thought of within the Hammers hierarchy and would take some bidding to prize away from the club on this note.

Born and bred in the United Kingdom to Nigerian parents, the youngster remains eligible to don the green and white of Nigeria though he has turned out for the Three Lions U15 youth team.

Emmanuel Chinaza

Photo Credit : whufc.com