Bobby Moore, Frank Lampard, Declan Rice – just a small selection of academy talents from West Ham United. However, these names are in the past and, as we continue to build on a new era post-Moyes, there is now a chance for an Academy graduate to breakthrough and become the next Academy starlet.
The name that might come to your mind first is Ollie Scarles, given his recent playing time under Graham Potter. Not only does he feel the obvious choice due to his recent game time, but also the context around the left back position. A spot which was most prominently filled by Aaron Cresswell in recent years, he isn’t getting any younger and soon we will miss his presence in the team.Cress’ inevitable departure from West Ham (whether through transfer or retirement) could perfectly coincide with Scarles becoming a West Ham regular. In his minutes, Scarles has shown his composure – looking like he was a Premier League regular already. The contexts around that left back spot gives Scarles a great opportunity to reach that high potential we know he has.
Another name that was sure to come to your mind would have been Freddie Potts, son of another Academy graduate Steve Potts. His loan spells have not gone under the radar to most West Ham fans, as he has impressed in both League One with Wycombe and the Championship with Portsmouth.
Potts’ defensive metrics at Wycombe were incredible. Compared to other midfielders in League One, he sat in the 95th percentile for aerial duels won percentage, the 91st percentile for duels won percentage and the 94th percentile for interceptions. These numbers did not drop off in the step up to the Championship either.
He is in the 90th percentile for both aerial duels won percentage and duels won percentage. He has even seen improvements in his passing metrics in the league step up, now sat in the 85th percentile for assists.
Potts’ talent is undeniable, and his effortless ability to take to a new league and even improve despite the tougher conditions is one that bodes well for the young man. With rumours of Guido Rodriguez potentially going back to Real Betis in the summer, Potter may not have to look far for his replacement as Freddie Potts will be back at the club and ready to play for manager who prioritises ability over age.
If I asked the question "who will be the next academy star?" this time seven months ago, George Earthy would be the name most of us would say. He finished the season on a high when he scored his first ever Premier League goal in a 3-1 win against Luton Town. I’m sure many of us held high hopes for Earthy when we saw the video of Lopetegui and Earthy meeting at the training ground too.
Unfortunately, it was too good to be true as Earthy was soon shipped out on loan to Bristol City. In the Championship, George has struggled to get a starting spot in the squad. Perhaps it was a poor choice of team – we would say George’s best position is attacking midfield, but coming into Bristol City his main rival for that position is Max Bird, who has remained in that starting squad for most of the season.
Consequently, George has not seen starting minutes, and more so been used as a backup. Unfortunately, there is a chance that his growth has been affected by this loan spell, but at only 20 years old, there is all the chance in the world that he can get back on track next season.
Scarles, Potts and Earthy are all arguably the more obvious names to emerge as the next world class talent, but what about some names that might be more under the radar?
Lewis Orford may not be an under the radar choice, given the fact he was involved in the deal for Jhon Duran in the summer and the fact he has made appearances under Potter, but he is someone I haven’t mentioned yet.
Orford has been compared to Declan Rice before and has been raved about by Mark Noble. Such high praise shows the quality Orford possesses, and we saw his composure in his cameos for West Ham where (like Scarles) he didn’t look like a youngster getting a chance from the gaffer but rather a regular.
Ezra Mayers is another emerging talent in the Academy. Some might have recently seen him make a brilliant last-ditch tackle against the Man United Academy, where he displayed his excellent speed, recovery and tackling. Mayers also possesses a fine range of passing and composure on the ball, giving Potter something to think about next season (or maybe even this season?).
Finally, Kaelan Casey is a name that West Ham fans will have known for a couple of years, but he is yet to get a proper chance. The 20-year-old defender made his debut in Europe against FCSB, and has made bench appearances sporadically since then, with an appearance against Luton in the league at home.
Casey himself cites Rice as a role model, a player who went from centre half to defensive midfielder – could Casey become the next Declan Rice for us?
* Like to share your thoughts on this article? Please visit the KUMB Forum to leave a comment.
* Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the highlighted author/s and do not necessarily represent or reflect the official policy or position of KUMB.com.
