With Mohamadou Kante’s powerhouse performances, Josh Landers’ prolific poaching, and George Earthy’s dazzling return to action, West Ham United’s baby-faced utility man perhaps does not get the credit he deserves.
One of the longest-serving players in the club’s academy. And, potentially, one of the brightest futures too.
Nuno Espirito Santo values versatility, and it just so happens that young Ryan Battrum has that in spades. He has played just about everywhere for West Ham United’s various youth teams. From right-back to the right-wing, through centre-half, defensive midfield, and even wide on the left.
He might not be the most glamorous or exciting name in the current crop of Hammers’ Under-21s. But, admired for his leadership skills as well as his flexibility, 20-year-old Battrum is a ‘Swiss Army Knife’ of a footballer who may just be making the step up sooner than expected.
DR Congo international Aaron Wan-Bissaka will jet out soon for the African Cup of Nations. Nuno is not afraid of giving youth a chance, and do not be surprised to see Battrum get a call-up for the first-team squad during ‘AWB’s absence.
Speaking of leaders, Battrum is another who has worn the captain’s armband with pride at Under-21 level. Like Declan Rice, like Nigel Reo-Coker, like a certain Mark Noble.
Ryan Battrum relishes his time alongside Mark Noble at West Ham United
In his role as sporting director, Mark Noble is determined to ensure that West Ham’s next generation are handed the same pathway he was given all those years ago.
The man with more Premier League appearances than any other in claret and blue is therefore usually on hand whenever the time comes for an academy kid to sign pro-terms.
Noble was there when Airidas Golambeckis signed a few weeks back, tipping the 18-year-old centre-half for a long and prosperous future at the London Stadium. Noble provided a glowing verdict of Daniel Cummings too when the Scottish starlet arrived from Celtic.
And, much to the delight of one Ryan Battrum, putting pen to paper on a new two-year deal back in February was made all the more exciting by the presence of Mark Noble alongside him, all smiles and handshakes.
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“I was leaving the training ground one day and Kev [Keen, West Ham’s Head of Academy Coaching] came in the changing room. He said, ‘have you got a minute?’,” Battrum tells the club’s official website while reflecting on the day when all that hard work was rewarded.
“I went upstairs, I saw ‘Nobes’ sitting there and then they offered me a professional contract. I couldn’t believe it.
“At home, we have family meetings if anything happens, so I just called a family meeting. We went out for a curry to celebrate. It’s good to get the news when you’ve been working so hard for it.”
Battrum ‘could not believe’ when Noble made the effort to watch him train
Even before he was appointed sporting director in 2022, Noble often went out of his way to show the youngsters that homegrown talent remains a core principle of West Ham United.
“I think we were training around the same time as the first team at Chadwell Heath,” adds Battrum, who first spotted Noble watching from the sidelines when he was only ten years of age.
“A few of them came over to watch us. Mark Noble even got involved! For him to come over and do that at that time, for a kid, that’s unreal.
“Then, to grow up and get to know him more and become like a mate of his. I’d say he’s sort of a mentor of mine now. I think it’s a bit surreal and it’s crazy how football can create relationships and people you meet!”
With Golambeckis unavailable, Battrum took the armband during November’s Premier League 2 draw with Wolves and the 3-0 victory over Liverpool.
England youth star Golambeckis emulated Declan Rice when captaining the Under-21s at the age of just 17. Battrum is a couple of years older than his fellow defender, but no less capable of catching Nuno’s eye.
The versatile full-back started when West Ham thrashed Arsenal 5-1 in the FA Youth Cup final back in 2023. It remains to be seen where his path takes him. To the first team, like reigning Young Player of the Year Ollie Scarles or recent top-flight debutant Callum Marshall?
Even if he doesn’t quite make the grade, there could be a very respectable career awaiting him in the Football League. Patrick Kelly’s Barnsley went head-to-head with Gideon Kodua’s Luton last month.
“It’s quite weird because when I think about the final [against Arsenal], I don’t remember much about the game,” adds Battrum. “I remember the celebrations and everything. It’s sort of like a bit of a blur, but I just remember that all the boys worked for it.
“I remember everyone sticking together, everyone celebrating after the game, even Declan Rice getting involved!
“That was unreal. I think the main reason we won that year was because of the togetherness. The whole team, everyone played a part, whether they were on the bench, all the staff, everyone was so together.
“I remember getting home that night and just being with my brother and being like ‘wow, what a feeling!’. I’ll remember that for the rest of my life.”
Mark Noble is laying down the gauntlet for West Ham’s next generation
A whole host of Battrum’s Under-21 teammates have been tied down to new deals recently, with West Ham making a concerted effort to protect their best and brightest.
Mohamadou Kante is a ‘modern Premier League midfielder’ in the waiting, says Academy Manager Kenny Brown. Ezra Mayers has trained with Nuno’s senior stars alongside Kante, Golambeckis and goalkeeper Finlay Herrick.
Josh Landers has been in stunning form in front of goal, meanwhile. The former Hibernian starlet has five in four Premier League 2 outings, boosted by a 17-minute hat-trick against Brighton.
Though Noble, and this goes for Battrum too, will not allow for any complacency. He knows better than anyone what is required to make the step up.
“Sometimes after signing a new contract, a player might ease off a little, but I’m here to make sure that doesn’t happen,” Noble told West Ham’s website recently.
“I want to push them and make sure they never take it for granted. They’ve got to work hard to play for West Ham every single day. You’ve got to stay hungry.
“It’s down to us to keep them hungry and keep pushing them. I’ve made that journey myself, I know how hard it is. We need to keep giving them that platform to push on and try to become a West Ham player.”
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