Potts
This is a very big shout but we may well find that we won’t be paying a penny for a Declan Rice replacement!
The answer may be in the academy where Freddie Potts, son of Hammers legend Steve, already looks serious business in the defensive midfield role.
Against both Perth Glory and Spurs he operated entirely in that role and caught the eye over and over again as he tackled and broke up attacks.
The number 62 joined West Ham aged six and made his first-team debut in December 2021 as a substitute in the 1-0 loss against Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League.
And in both games Down Under he really did look a very good player and, like Divin Mubama, a guy who was more than ready to take his place in the Premier League matchday squad.
Indeed it would be difficult to choose between him and Flynn Downes at this stage of their careers and let’s remember the former Swansea player cost us £12 million
I understand that these are pre-season games and there’s a way to go but I’m backing the lad to make a real impression on the first team this season.
The next Declan Rice? No the first Freddie Potts and a player to become very excited about!
Sorry total over hype, he was very average and totally outplayed by the Spurs midfield. People can argue he is young but for me he spent more time playing with his hair than playing football. As a defensive midfielder he has no sense of danger, slow to react, not aggressive in the tackle and very one paced. I hope he proves me wrong but thats my honest opinion based on what I watched against spurs. He made Downes look decent.
He might be ok but I was at the game against Spurs here in Perth and I think there is a reason we couldn’t get or keep the ball so well. We did not have Rice (obviously), Paqueta or Soucek. They have been our first choice midfield in recent times. But I do hope Freddie Potts makes the grade.