Justin Seven-Seven continues to impress for West Bromwich Albion's under-18s, adding two more goals in a convincing 4-0 victory away at Crystal Palace. The towering striker celebrated his 17th birthday weekend with a brace, taking his season tally to eight goals.
Match Highlights
Seven-Seven opened the scoring by converting a through ball from James Bythell. He later doubled his lead after capitalizing on a defensive challenge from George Shaw, showing composure to finish. Harry French, the team's top scorer with 13 goals, made it 3-0 before halftime following good work from Ryan Colesby. Bythell added a late fourth with a composed finish after driving into the penalty area.
League Standing
The win at Albion's training base in Walsall leaves the junior Baggies fourth in the Premier League South standings, which comprises 15 clubs. Their strong position highlights the quality in Chay Thompson's under-18s squad. The season concludes with an away match against second-placed Tottenham. Aston Villa sits third, while runaway champions hold a 16-point lead.
Player Development
Smethwick-born Seven-Seven has been a standout this season, not just for his unusual surname but for his performances. He signed a two-year scholarship last summer and is halfway through it. He also gained international experience, earning four caps for Germany's under-17s and scoring against Finland.
Other young talents include full-back Alfie Maughan, named academy player of the 2025/26 season, and Ryan Colesby, who signed a professional contract. French, goalkeeper Maxwell Moses, Antonio Perkins, and Shaw recently signed their first professional deals.
Season Overview
Under Chay Thompson's debut campaign as head coach, Albion have won 14 of 27 league games. The FA Youth Cup run ended in a fourth-round penalty shootout defeat at Sunderland, where Seven-Seven scored a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer.
Seven-Seven's journey began at age nine when he joined Albion's youth setup, having played grassroots football for Mahal FC and Soho Albion. His breakthrough season continues to excite fans and coaches alike.
