West Ham United continue to showcase the value of their academy with the rapid rise of youngster Freddie Potts, who has impressed since breaking into the first team this season. The teenager has already delivered standout moments, including a Man of the Match performance in the 3–1 win over Newcastle earlier in the campaign.
Softfootball understands that under new manager Nuno Espírito Santo, Potts has gained even more trust within the squad. While he has battled match fitness issues and minor injuries, West Ham fans remain hugely excited about his long-term future and development at the club.
According to the West Ham official X handle, Potts opened up about the lessons that shaped his game and the mental shift required to thrive at senior level.
From like, Everyone thinks football is meant to be played pretty and on the floor. Nah it’s not, I feel like from the academy to the championship yeah you can say in a way. I think it’s more so in the academy and league one. The academy and championship they have a similarities where they are good teams that they like to play out. What I have learnt is that the nasty you are and the more tackles you win more battles you win, the more times them than not you are going to have a good game.
Watch the full video below:
Freddie Potts’ emergence has also strengthened the belief around West Ham that their academy continues to produce tough, intelligent midfielders capable of adapting quickly to Premier League demands. His growth this season has impressed both fans and coaching staff, who see him as a player with the right mentality to thrive under pressure.
With Nuno Espírito Santo showing increasing trust in him, Potts is expected to feature more prominently once fully fit — and the club believes he could become a long-term midfield cornerstone if his development continues at this pace.
