Finley Herrick: I think the team performed very well overall, and everyone played well.

Following West Ham United's 4-1 EFL Cup victory over Southampton, Finlay Herrick spoke about his first first-team start. For the young goalkeeper, it was not only a significant moment in his career, but also made even more special by having several academy-trained teammates on the pitch together.  

Finley Herrick's journey from joining West Ham United's youth academy at age six to securing a first-team starting position 14 years later is truly impressive. In this match against Southampton, he not only made his first-team start, but several of his academy teammates also got playing time. For West Ham United, this match served as a microcosm of the club's academy players making a collective appearance.  

Finley Herrick, speaking about his academy teammates taking to the pitch together, said: "It's really hard to describe the feeling. Many of us have trained and grown up together since we were kids, and now we're all on the first team pitch together. Two years ago, we probably wouldn't have even dared to imagine this. Now it's really happened, and it's definitely a special night for many of us."  

Speaking about the team's quick comeback from behind, Finley Herrick said, "The moment we conceded the goal, we didn't have time to wallow in frustration. Instead, we immediately rallied and refocused on the game. We knew our tactical setup and trusted the plans our teammates and coaches had devised. It was because everyone remained steadfast that we were ultimately able to regain control of the game."  

When discussing the impact of the substitutes, Finley Herrick said, "Their appearance was like a breath of fresh air for the team. We had been playing for a long time and were feeling somewhat tired, but when players like Jarrod Bowen, Tati Castellanos, and Alne came on the pitch and we saw them playing with such energy, we were inspired and revitalized, as if we had completely forgotten our fatigue."  

"This game provided a great platform for many teammates who usually have limited playing time to showcase their abilities. Everyone seized the opportunity and brought out their strengths. I think the team's overall performance was very reliable; both individually and as a team, we did a very good job."  

Image source: Internet/West Ham United official website