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https://www.hammers.news/academy/8-incredible-west-ham-teenagers-who-could-flourish-under-julen-lopetegui-as-golden-generation-beckons/
Ollie Scarles, 18, looks like the real deal already, and he may well be the most talented player we have in the academy right now. He played one game under Moyes – way back in November 2022 when he was just 16, away at FCSB in the Europa Conference League group stage. Scarles really impressed during that game, and proved that he’s more than capable of mixing it with the senior stars. After putting pen to paper on a new contract, he admitted that he has already far exceeded his own expectations at the club. The 18-year-old has technical ability in abundance, and can play in central midfield as well as at left-back. I expect him to really kick on over the next two years or so.
Lewis Orford, 18, is still yet to make a senior appearance for the Hammers, but his performances for the under-21s last season really caught the eye. He came on leaps and bounds last season, and he has already trained with the first-team on multiple occasions. Orford scored a wonder goal for the Hammers under-21s against PSV last season – and that strike really brought him to the attention of the West Ham fans. He’s technically gifted, is a wonderful passer of the football and his composure in possession sets him apart from the rest. He has a really big future ahead of him, there’s no doubt in my mind about that.
George Earthy, 19, is probably the most obvious name on the list. What an unbelievable young talent he is. Mark Noble absolutely raved about the 19-year-old after he picked up the under-21s player of the season back in May. The 19-year-old ace made his Premier League debut for West Ham at the end of last term, but it ended in disaster after he was knocked out on the pitch and sent to hospital. Fortunately for him, the injury didn’t end up being a serious one, and he finished the season in fine style. Earthy demonstrated sensational movement that provided him with the space to put the ball in the back of the net. The teenager bagged 13 goals and 10 assists in 27 games for the under-21s last season (Transfermarkt). Earthy – an attacking midfielder by trade – is the young player I’m most excited about watching develop next season.
Dan Rigge is somewhat of a long shot here. He’s only 18 and hasn’t yet played for the senior side. However, don’t let that fool you – he’s an exceptionally gifted young player. West Ham allegedly beat SIX clubs in the race to tie down Dan Rigge to a new contract back in October of last year, and that now looks like a real coup for the club. He can play on either wing or in the number 10 position, and is incredibly technically gifted. Rigge already looks like an unbelievable player in the making, and as long as he continues to work hard both on and off the pitch, he’ll have a fantastic career in the game – hopefully at the London Stadium.
Sean Moore, 18, has bagged four goals and three assists in 23 games for West Ham’s under-21s. The Hammers signed the young winger in the summer of 2023 from NIFL Premiership side Cliftonville. He has already displayed his outstanding capabilities at youth level, and senior football will be the next level for him now. He is still somewhat rough around the edges, so perhaps a loan move away from the club this season will do him good. That said, I am in no doubts that he will be given an opportunity to shine by Lopetegui, if the Hammers head coach believes he’s ready for first-team football.
Gideon Kodua is just 19, but he’s ready to make the jump up to the next level this season in my opinion. The forward is an absolute powerhouse, and possesses all the necessary attributes required to succeed in the Premier league. He is incredibly quick and always puts in a shift for the team. During pre-season in 2023, the youngster showcased his unreal ability with an outstanding goal for the senior team during a friendly clash with Boreham Wood. Kodua is a natural attacker by trade and can operate on either wing, in the number 10 position and of course through the middle as a central striker. I have really high hopes for the Newham-born starlet.
Callum Marshall experienced an unsuccessful loan spell with West Brom last season, but he never got a fair chance to prove himself. The 19-year-old’s sheer talent is undeniable though. He has bagged 29 goals in 39 for the West Ham under-18s and 22 goals in 30 appearances for the under-21s. Marshall has absolutely everything needed to succeed at the very top with West Ham, with his really impressive pace, incredible movement and terrific ability to finish. All he needs now is the chance to show he’s ready to make a difference on the biggest stage of them all – the Premier League. And I think Lopetegui may well be the man to unleash him.
Patrick Kelly, 19, has grown and developed into a serious talent since moving to the London Stadium two years ago. Kelly joined West Ham from Coleraine in 2022 for a nominal fee, and he admitted that fellow Northern Irishman Callum Marshall and Michael Forbes really sold a move to East London to him. Hammers Sporting Director and club legend Mark Noble absolutely raved about the talented teenage midfielder, when speaking to WHUFC.com. The young Hammer is on the cusp of great things as far as I’m concerned, and the next 12 months or so will be crucial for his development under the new management team at the London Stadium. That said, a loan move away from the club this season may well be in order.
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