18 Tunji Akinola

On 5th October, Leyton Orient completed the season-long loan of Tunji Akinola from neighbours Wesrt Ham.

The 21-year-old ball playing centre-back has made over 50 appearances for The Hammers U23’s side and played 90 minutes against Orient in pre-season.

Akinola joined the Academy at the age of 9 and has progressed through the ranks in the last twelve years, impressing along the way.

“I’m a defender first and foremost,  I like to make tackles and blocks, and get clean sheets – it’s what I pride myself on.”

“I feel like this is the perfect opportunity for me to kick on to the next level.”