There must be something in the East London water right now. Because West Ham United just keep producing extremely exciting goalkeepers.

Finlay Herrick has played a back-up role behind Mads Hermansen for much of the campaign, albeit with Alphonse Areola injured. Near-namesake Finlay Hooper is now an England U19 international.

And don’t forget about Mason Terry. At Concord Rangers, Hornchurch and Braintree Town, Terry claimed the Player of the Season award three years in a row. Only an unfortunate injury, bringing an end to his brief spell at Port Vale earlier this season, denied him a shot at a fourth.

Now, let us introduce you to the next young shot-stopper to emerge behind the scenes from a production line with a penchant for talented goalkeepers; Felix Lewis-Ayesta.

Felix Lewis-Ayesta has two clean sheets in two West Ham United games

Born in Barcelona – as you might have guessed due to the little inflection of Spanish flair adorning his surname – Ayesta joined the Hammers academy at the age of 14. Now 17 years of age, the cat from Catalonia is playing Under-18 football for the first time.

He made his debut for the age group in a 3-0 trouncing of Birmingham City in September. Thanks to Saturday’s 1-0 victory over another Midlands-based outfit in Aston Villa, Lewis-Ayesta now has two clean sheets in his first two U18 appearances.

“We are always pleased with a clean sheet,” coach Luke Smith told the club’s official website on a day when Jude Longman’s penalty proved decisive. “It is a team effort, and everyone needs to commit fully otherwise it cannot work.

“You have to want to do it for your teammates and take real pride in your role within a team effort. The way we tracked runners and blocked opportunities was excellent. Also, when we needed Felix Ayesta, he was there for us with some excellent saves!

“There are many positives to take collectively. We will reflect as we always do throughout the week and take the lessons from today’s game.”

Lewis-Ayesta is stepping in for Tommy Goodger, who started the campaign as Smith’s number one. Goodger recently moved on loan to Essex-based Isthmian League outfit Aveley on a short-term deal. He might have a tough task reclaiming his place in the XI when he returns. Lewis-Ayesta is making a fine impression during Goodger’s absence.

Successive wins – with Lewis-Ayesta in net both times – have lifted the Hammers up to fifth in the Premier League U18 South table. They are level with Arsenal, ahead of Brighton on goal difference, and five points behind leaders Chelsea.

Lewis-Ayesta signed his scholarship contract in July, alongside a host of other academy talent including England U16 defender Reon Smith, Welshman Isaac Thomas, and Lenny – son of Mark – Noble. Bailey Pammenter is one to watch as well. Still only 16, Czech starlet Pammenter has racked up seven goals in ten appearances for the respective U18 sides of West Ham United and the Czech Republic.

Lewis-Ayesta is yet to establish himself to the same degree – and it will be interesting to discover whether he is eligible for Spain as well as England. But two games in, and with two clean sheets secured, the boy from Barcelona could hardly have wished for a better start.