Graham Potter
(Credit: Imago)
Carla Devine
Tue 11 March 2025 15:40, UK
Graham Potter is well known for his ability to work well with youth players and since his arrival at West Ham, he’s suggested no different.
After Julen Lopetegui spent a lot of money during the summer, the new boss was limited in how much business he could do in the winter transfer window.
However, Potter has already shown his willingness to use the young talent available to him in East London with Ollie Scarles making the step up to the first team perfectly.
Graham Potter West Ham
West Ham boss Graham Potter (Credit: Imago)
Potter can turn to Kaelan Casey at West Ham
West Ham have separated themselves from the relegation zone with 16 points between them and the bottom three, but results have been inconsistent.
Potter was hoping to get a third consecutive win under his belt on Monday (10 March) but a poor 1-0 defeat against Newcastle United followed at the London Stadium.
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Nevertheless, the Irons have been able to find some positives of late and Scarles has certainly been one of those as the 19-year-old has played in every game under Potter, starting the last three.
After another defeat though, it may be time for the manager to look at another youth player in East London too.
Kaelen Casey made his Premier League debut back in 2024, coming on in the last minute against Luton and has played one minute this season too.
Under Potter he has been included on the bench on four occasions but is yet to get any minutes.
West Ham
Kaelan Casey could follow in Ollie Scarles’ footsteps.
Potter can take a chance against Everton
West Ham prepare to take on Everton on Saturday (15 March), a team they are level on points with but below in the table on goal difference.
Both sides look to be safe from relegation now but given both made managerial changes at a similar time, it could certainly be a game to see who’s developed further in that time.
Therefore, Potter should take a risk and consider bringing Casey into the squad and giving him the chance to prove himself against the Toffees.
Although he is 35-years-old, Aaron Cresswell made his sixth start of the season against Newcastle on Monday, but it was a disappointing performance from someone who has the experience to deliver more.
Aaron Cresswell v Newcastle
Tackles won 0
Interceptions 1
Ground duels won 0
Aerial duels won 0
Aaron Cresswell v Newcastle [FotMob].
The defender was replaced after 69 minutes by Konstantinos Mavropanos, who has also not been up to the best standards this term.
Potter has nothing to lose by giving an opportunity to the 20-year-old defender and it surely must be time for him to take another look at the youth talent he has available.
Given West Ham blocked Casey’s request to go out on loan in the winter window, surely now is the time to show why they did so.
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