**Stuart Pearce has likened West Ham midfielder Freddie Potts to former captain Declan Rice.**
The ex-Hammers assistant manager helped guide Potts through his early years as a player, and following his excellent performance against Newcastle last weekend, Pearce said:
“Freddie Potts came in and played extremely well. I’m proud of him. Knowing his dad and working with the young man himself, a smashing young lad, maybe they’ve found someone there who is the new Declan Rice at West Ham.”
Potts was given the chance by Nuno Espirito Santo to shine on Sunday, and he gave an excellent account of himself.
It’s a bit early to compare him to Rice
---------------------------------------
Pearce might be slightly premature with his comparison. After all, Potts has made 8 appearances for the Irons, with his first start only coming at the weekend.
In contrast, Rice played 245 games across six years, captaining his club to the Europa Conference League title before leaving for Arsenal in the summer of 2023.
Pearce might simply be suggesting that Potts can follow in Rice’s footsteps by being an academy player who establishes himself as a first-team regular, and based on his full debut, there is definitely a case for that to happen.
West Ham should stick with their current midfield setup
-------------------------------------------------------
Many fans were left flummoxed by Nuno’s selection choices in his first few games in charge, and his decision to change tack against Newcastle was welcomed.
It is not a coincidence that the Hammers got their first win under his management following the changes. A midfield of Potts, [**Mateus Fernandes**](https://hammersheadlines.com/west-ham-transfer-news-mateus-fernandes-fans-2/) and Lucas Paqueta has plenty more going for it than one that includes the likes of Andy Irving.
There are areas, such as up front and in the centre of defence, that still need to be improved, but those changes will have to wait until the transfer window reopens in January.
[**Read more about the West Ham First Team Squad for 2025/26 here**](https://hammersheadlines.com/west-ham-first-team-squad/)