**As West Ham head into a summer of change, one area fans are eager to see utilised by Graham Potter is our highly-rated Academy players.**
The club is renowned for producing talent in the game of the years, with the Academy of Football continuing to do so, with the likes of Declan Rice progressing in the game and is now known as one of the best in the world.
Although there are now many seemingly ready to challenge and make that step towards the first team, with Lewis Orford, George Earthy and Freddie Potts to name a few, it’s Ollie Scarles who many feel is now a dead-cert to be a key player under Potter going forward.
The Mark Noble Young Hammer of the Year winner for this season, has made 13 appearances so far in all competitions in what has been a hugely important and successful campaign for the left-back, with displays showcasing a player who is more than capable of becoming a regular first-team starter in that position.
This is the view shared by club insider ExWHUEmployee, who now feels the Scarles is set to challenge this summer to make that position his own.
“Next season is an important one for so many different reason, one being the development of Ollie Scarles,” stated Ex. “I think Ollie has done enough now to show he is able to play at left back for us in the Premier League, and therefore next season I would like to see him given a good chance at making the position his own.
“Emerson is a good player and was a key part in our Europa Conference League win, however it appears he is becoming out of favour and possibly as a result looking for a move.
“Before we spend money trying to replace him, I hope we give our Academy graduate the chance to make the position his own.”