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I have to confess that I was more than a little worried about Luis Guilherme following his £20 million transfer from Palmeiras to West Ham.

One of three outstanding young players at the Brazilian club, Guilherme has had to be patient and wait for a chance at West Ham while watching his friend Endrick play La Liga and Champions League football for Real Madrid.

I had become concerned that after two months of the season, the Hammers’ own Brazilian wonderkid had yet to feature in the Premier League. It’s always going to be difficult for an 18-year-old to move halfway around the world, and there must have been an element of doubt in his mind.

A top club source told C&H last week that the club had expected Guilherme to be further along in his progress than he currently is, and it’s clear he is taking time to settle.

Baby steps for wonderkid

However, a goal for the Irons’ under-21 team was followed by a substitute appearance for the first team in West Ham’s 4-1 win against Ipswich is encouraging. It was fantastic to see, and the youngster’s cameo even involved a darting run that won his team a free kick in a dangerous area. Guilherme couldn’t have been more delighted.

“It’s a dream come true to have played in the Premier League at 18 years old,” said the debutant who was given a warm embrace on the pitch by Julen Lopetegui.

“I have fulfilled my dream. Now it’s about taking things step by step, and by continuing the hard work I’ve been putting in, there will be plenty more good things to come.”

“Lucas Paquetá and Emerson have given me a lot. They are great players, and I’m proud to say they’re good friends too. They’ve helped me so much since I arrived, and I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know them quite well. I thank them for their support, and hopefully, bit by bit, I can give back to the team.”

Great words, and it’s really nice to hear from someone who is clearly happy and starting to settle. I need not have worried.