“He’s Reinvented Himself” | Player Switch Has Opened Doors

Ollie Scarles may have suffered defeat with West Ham’s under 21’s against Newport County last night, but he has received praise for his performance. Despite losing to a late strike by Oliver Greaves, the Hammers’ young team performed well in the EFL Trophy game. Newport County’s assistant manager, Dafydd Williams, commented on the Hammers U21 performance by saying: “They are a young side and I thought they played brilliantly well.”

However, it was Scarles’ shift from wingback to midfield that stood out. This experimental switch, which started earlier this month, was prompted by necessity. With Patrick Kelly on loan and Lewis Orford lacking a partner with physical presence in midfield, Scarles was asked to perform a news role.  There were glimmers of the switch during the first EFL Trophy game against Reading whereby he used his physicality to held out the midfield even though he started wide.

Scarles, who has grown from the skinny youngster who debuted under David Moyes, has embraced his new midfield role, nearly scoring a spectacular solo goal in last night’s match. A source close to the under 21 setup remarked, “He’s reinvented himself” observing Scarles’ midfield move.

With the under 21 team weakened by the exodus of players on loan, Scarles has seized the opportunity. If he continues to play as he has started, this could signify a new, permanent role for him at West Ham.