West Ham have a Swiss army knife in the academy and it is time for Nuno to unleash him

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Nuno Espirito Santo could be looking to bring through players from the West Ham academy ahead of the festive period.

There will be a period between late December and early January during which the Hammers will play four times in 10 days in the Premier League.

While most of the first-team players will be considered, one is unable to predict injuries and there is a chance that Nuno promotes a few of the academy players over the next few weeks.

Ryan Battrum must be unleashed by Nuno Espirito Santo

Ryan Battrum has already captained the Hammers’ Under-21s side and has been a regular at that level this season.

He has featured in all six Vertu Trophy and National League Cup games and has shown that he’s capable of going toe to toe against senior opposition as well.

The 20-year-old is a right-back by trade but has been lauded for his versatility and that is something that Nuno would appreciate.

The Portuguese manager has played a back three and back four system, and having someone like Battrum in his squad gives him the option to get the best out of him regardless of the formation.

Nuno must ask him to train with the senior players and, after a few weeks, include him in matchday squads before handing him his senior debut ahead of the busy festive period.

What has been said about Ryan Battrum?

Kenny Brown, the West Ham United Academy Manager, has waxed lyrical over Battrum, having watched him represent different youth teams at the club.

When he signed his first professional contract back in 2023, Brown told the club’s official website: “I speak on behalf of everyone at the Academy of Football when I say how delighted we are that Ryan has penned professional terms with the Club.

“Ryan has continued to grow and develop since signing his scholarship with West Ham last season and has contributed to the U18s’ highly successful campaign.”

Mark Robson, the Under-21s lead coach, has also praised Battrum and his teammates back in April, labelling them “excellent”.

ExWHUEmployee is also of the opinion that the club could be turning to him once the AFCON begins and believes that having a West Ham supporting family is the cherry on the cake.

He said: “One of the more underrated players in the 21s, but with as equally as promising a future! Mr consistent and a great lad too. From a family of big West Ham fans! Could well be our answer when the AFCON starts.”

It remains to be seen whether or not Nuno does look to promote him to first-team training as that would be the first logical step towards making him a senior player.