Academy prospect Freddie Potts has impressed staff at West Ham United, including first-team manager David Moyes, with his maturity and dedication, according to The Athletic.
Potts is likely one of the next big things to come off the Irons’ production line as he looks to follow in his father’s and brother’s footsteps. The 17-year-old is the son of Steve Potts, a two-time Hammer of the Year, and brother of 2012 Young Hammer of the Year, Dan.
He joined the Irons aged six, and signed his first professional contract this June, running to 2024. Potts’ summer also included minutes for the senior fold as Moyes looked toward the future during their pre-season fixtures.
Moyes sought to hand Potts a chance to play for the West Ham first-team after impressing in their youth fold. Academy staff named the teenager when Moyes asked who stood out after the senior squad’s training camp in St Andrews.
Potts was prominent in pre-season, after the midfielder showed he was one of the fittest in the group. The U23s had to complete a 1km time-trial run on their return this summer.
The glowing endorsement resulted in 45-minutes against Leyton Orient, and the chance to enhance his reputation. Potts impressed West Ham staff with his maturity and dedication, as he is often one of the first in training.
He has also stayed behind for extra sessions, as the Irons fast-track his progress with talent beyond his age group. Potts left an instant and lasting impression on U23 coaches with how vocal he was from his first training session. The youngster also fascinated staff with how easily and seamlessly he adapted from the step up from playing U18s football.
Freddie Potts, a future West Ham star?
Potts showed in West Ham’s U18s that he was too good for that level, and is now in the U23s. Moyes will likely pay close attention to how the teenager fares in Dmitri Halajko’s side this season, too.
Further enhancing his reputation in the junior ranks may soon return his competitive senior debut, having already impressed Moyes. Continuing to be a vocal presence and putting in the extra work in training will also go a long way to making the step up to the first-team.
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