Djair Parfitt-Williams, the Bermudian-born forward, has vowed to improve his return in front of goal for the West Ham United Academy this season.

Parfitt-Williams, 17, scored nine goals from 28 games last term and is already off the mark for the present campaign, having opened his account in a 3-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion.

While satisfied with his performances last season, Parfitt-Williams believes that there is plenty of room for improvement as he pursues a professional contract with the Barclays Premier League club.

“I would say last season’s performance was good overall, but I think it could have been better — I wanted to get more goals,” Parfitt-Williams told the West Ham website. “I wanted to get more assists. It just means that I need to work harder. Overall it was good but there’s room for more.”

The second-year scholar believes that his all-round game has evolved greatly during his three years in England, with the teenager supplementing some defensive qualities to his attacking flair.

“When I first came here, I would say I was more of a skilful player and didn’t really like defending,” the former PHC Zebras youth player said.

“Those are more English sides of the game and I’m getting better at them. I can still improve.

“I need to bring these things together with tricks and all the skills.

“There’s joga bonito [Portuguese for “the beautiful game”], have fun with it, but at the same time you need to do some hard work. If you can bring those things together then there’s no stopping you.”

Parfitt-Williams was recommended to the East London club by former West Ham striker Clyde Best, who spotted something in him during a training session with Somerset Trojans.

He had been playing for the San Jose Earthquakes Academy when his grandfather Lynn Wade contacted Best, who starred for West Ham between 1968 and 1976, to run the rule over the youngster.

“Clyde Best had heard about me before and he wanted to come in and have a look at me,” said Parfitt-Williams, who moved to California when he was 8.

“He said as soon as he saw me on the ball, that he knew I had abilities.

“I’m glad that he gave me the opportunity and hopefully, if I make it to where I want to make it, I can give back. That was a great day; I was just so happy, I was excited to get over here.

“I just wanted to come to England so badly. When I got the opportunity, I knew I had to take it.”

Parfitt-Williams, who has pledged his allegiance to the United States rather than Bermuda, said that he was grateful for the support he had received from Steve Potts, the West Ham Under-18 coach, and Paul Heffer, the assistant Academy director.

“When I first came here, Paul Heffer helped me a lot; he spoke to me after my games, spoke to me after training,” said Parfitt, who attended the West Pembroke School.

“He would tell me what I need to do and then there’s Steve Potts, who I’ve been with since I came here.

“Me and Steve have a good relationship. It has helped because I can talk to them sometimes.”

The West Ham Academy take on Chelsea away on Saturday.