West Ham ace Ollie Scarles could be affected by the capture of El Hadji Malick Diouf.
(Credit: Imago)
West Ham Zone Speaking to Ian Darke
Wed 16 July 2025 10:40, UK
Ollie Scarles is one of the most promising academy graduates at West Ham.
The 19-year-old featured 15 times in the Premier League last season, starting on seven occasions in his breakthrough season.
He will be hoping to kick on and earn a regular first-team place in Graham Potter‘s plans next season, but that task may have been made harder after the Hammers’ latest transfer business.
Ollie Scarles stats for West Ham in the Premier League last season.
Scarles’ stats in the league last season. (Credit: Imago)
Scarles will still play after West Ham confirm Diouf capture
West Ham have confirmed the signing of El Hadji Malick Diouf, and that could have serious implications on Scarles’ playing time next season.
Iconic commentator Ian Darke believes that Scarles will still see a decent amount of action behind the new man.
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Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, he said: “He could get sent on loan, I guess, but Scarles got quite a few starts towards the end of the season.
“They put him in the team for a little while, then took him back out again, he looked promising once or twice, I think he got to a point where it looked like they needed to take him out of the firing line for a bit.
“I guess they want options for that left-back position, you know, Cresswell has gone, he has been released, he has come to the end of his excellent time at West Ham.
“I think this guy was playing for Senegal when they beat England at Wembley, he looked quite promising, he may be a good pickup.
“They generally need to add some pace and dynamism, and he does get forward down the left-hand side pretty well, he is sort of like a left-wing back, but it is a bit of a step up from Slavia Prague to the Premier League.
“I don’t think Scarles will be Potter’s idea of a starting left-back for the season, he is definitely one of those who is in contention, he will be on the bench and will get games as the season goes on.”
Graham Potter West Ham
Potter will have to make some tough decisions. (Credit: Imago)
West Ham to benefit from Scarles competition
Ultimately, Scarles should become a better player with increased competition on the left side of defence.
The addition of the Senegal international should force the academy graduate to take his chances and impress Potter, to potentially earn the starting berth at the London Stadium.
He will hope to eventually emulate Declan Rice and become a star in East London.
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