The football almost seems to pass by un-noticed with the current speculation surrounding [West Ham](https://www.claretandhugh.info/academy-additions-free-transfers-and-a-possible-sterling-swoop-west-ham-gears-up-quietly-for-2025-26/) manager Graham Potter. But scratch the surface and some pretty decent work by the u21 side was broadcast to a SKY audience last night as the Hammers’ youngsters took on – and beat- third tier opposition in the EFL Trophy competition.
That’s boys against men. In case you weren’t sure – West Ham’s under 21 side – ahem – including one very sprightly looking ‘ringer’ in goal – took on MK Dons’ first team away from home and thrashed them 5-1.
Huge credit to the Hammers. And in particular, timely reminders from midfielders **Preston Fearon** and striker **Callum Marshall** who both grabbed two goals apiece: In case Graham Potter wasn’t aware of the goal scoring talent available to him, last night the Irons youngsters put on a show to remind the under siege Head Coach of what he is missing by leaving his younger talent out of the senior match day squad.
In addition, midfield ‘[monster](https://www.claretandhugh.info/kante-the-colossus-new-midfield-beast-emerges-in-west-hams-u21-triumph/)‘ **Mohamadou Kanté** put on something of a show himself, having a hand in West Ham’s first and second goals and looking every bit a senior Hammer in waiting. Quite how long he spends this season in the under 21-s especially with the senior side performing so badly – is anyone’s guess.
But Like Freddie Potts and George Earthy, Kanté looked impressive in midfield and the trio were, much like Fearon and Marshall, a sight for sore eyes for beleagured West Ham fans looking for something positive to cheer.
Last night thanks to SKY tv hopefully they found it. This performance and the audience it reached will only add to the clamour for more academy players to be in the match day squad. Simply the energy the young Hammers bring to their side would be a huge improvement on West Ham’s second half performance against Tottenham. Quite how long, I wonder, will Graham Potter have left at the club if he continues to ignore them and play the same old failed plodders.
Check out the assists by Earthy and Kanté along with special goals from Fearon and Marshall late in added time: The link is here:
**West Ham United U21s:** Fabiański, Golambeckis © (Colau 90+5), Mayers, Clayton, Battrum, Kanté, Potts, Earthy (Caliste 68), Fearon (Medine 90), Marshall
Subs not used: Hooper (GK), Oyebade, Akpata, Sowunmi