Having  joined West Ham this summer, Mateus Fernandes is still adapting to his new surroundings and is fully focused on building on his first top flight campaign with Southampton last season.

The 21 year old arrived with a big price tag and with quite the reputation. Fernandes consistently impressed and was perhaps one of, if not the only shining light in a Southampton side that was relegated last season.

Fernandes wears the armband for the Portugal U21 side. The young midfielder is settling into life in London and is determined to make his mark in claret and blue.

Having been brought up in the coastal town of Olhao, Fernandes joined Sporting Lisbon’s academy aged 13. He would later spend time on loan with Estoril before making the switch to England. His performances for Southampton and maturity in the middle of the park saw him named the club’s Player of the Season.

For Fernandes, his West Ham debut was a chance to make a statement on the pitch. The 21 year old was quick to admit that consistency and results are what matter most in the Hammers current position.

“In the first game I played against Nottingham Forest, I think we did very well. We won 3-0, so it was a fantastic debut for me. I feel the atmosphere even in our stadium was very nice. But it’s football, we need to win for the fans to show more love for us as well.” said the Hammers midfielder to the club’s Official Website.

Fernandes discussed the guidance he’s received from Hammers boss Nuno Espirito Santo and how he’s learning from his early West Ham matches. “Nuno (Espirito Santo) is very important for me. He supports me so he can help more. To be honest, the last games I played, I didn’t play well and he spoke with me about this. I understood. It’s football. If you’re not good, if you don’t play well, you go to the bench, you need to show in the training, in the games, you want to play. We need to work hard for that, for the position.” said Fernandes.

As attention turns towards this weekend’s meeting with Newcastle, Fernandes emphasised the need for a collective sense of togetherness and belief despite the Hammers poor recent form. “We need to stick together until the end, because we are a team. We are the only Club, the players, the manager, the fans. If not, it’s going to be tough, because if you’re going to say it’s your fault, it’s not my fault, it’s not the right way.”