West Ham United Sporting Director Mark Noble plays a key role in overseeing the development of the club’s most talented young players.
Mark Noble is a West Ham legend, having come through the academy to eventually captain his boyhood club.
It’s no surprise that Mark Noble often speaks highly of the West Ham youth players – has travelled the the same path before them.
The Hammers under-18s and under-21s are an immensely talented group of players.
Graham Potter has been blessed with an abundance of youth talent at the London Stadium.
And he has already proven that the opportunities will be there for everyone – Ollie Scarles can testify to that.
So which young player from the academy will be the next one to burst onto the scene with the Hammers first-team?
Mark Noble raves about West Ham youngster Freddie Potts
Freddie Potts has just put pen to paper on a new long-term contract with the Hammers.
He has enjoyed an exceptional season with Portsmouth in the Championship whilst on loan at Fratton Park.
Freddie Potts recently shared his dream to play for the West Ham first-team regularly.
And next season he might just be granted that wish.
Noble has absolutely raved about Potts’ ability, as quoted by WHUFC.com:
“When I was captain, we used to go over to Chadwell Heath to watch the younger age groups and do some coaching,” said Noble. “I remember seeing Fred when he was in the Under-11s, you could see straight away his enthusiasm and love for the game.
“Obviously, his Dad (former defender Steve) is a legend at the Club and a hugely respected member of staff. But he’s not going to play for West Ham because of that. He’s going to play for West Ham because he’s got the qualities and the ability and the mindset to play. It’s been great to see him do well on loan, first at Wycombe, where he had a fantastic season, and then taking the step up to go and play for Portsmouth, a fantastic club that have been great with him.”
“It’s going to be a massive pre-season for Fred. There’s going to be plenty of competition, as you’d expect in the Premier League, where you’re up against the best players in the world. But I truly believe he can play for us. We have such high hopes for him, and it was important to get this deal done to secure his future.”
Freddie Potts needs to improve one thing to reach top level with West Ham
Those in high places at West Ham clearly have high hopes for Freddie Potts, Mark Noble included.
On paper, the 21-year-old has almost everything needed to succeed in the Premier League.
However, if he is to establish himself at the very highest level, he will need to show that he has the quality to progress the football, as well as keeping things neat and tidy.
I cannot wait to see Freddie Potts given a chance at West Ham by Graham Potter next season.
And I fully expect him to grasp the opportunity with both hands.
