Former academy chief claims West Ham have new N’Golo Kante waiting to burst on the scene

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West Ham United have the new N’Golo Kante waiting to burst onto the scene from the club’s famous academy.

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That’s according to former West Ham academy chief Terry Westley.

David Moyes wants to build his new-look West Ham around young, talented, energetic players hungry to prove themselves at the top level.

Moyes has proved he is willing to give West Ham’s academy stars their big break

And he has proved he is willing to give chances to the club’s academy stars.

Declan Rice and Ben Johnson are the most recent academy stars to graduate to and establish themselves as key first team players.

Now according to Westley, 19-year-old central midfielder Keenan Appiah-Forson could be next.

Diminutive Appiah-Forson shone alongside first team stars Andriy Yarmolenko and Arthur Masuaku in the West Ham development squad’s 3-1 win over Leicester on Friday night, scoring a goal.

Speaking to The Athletic, Westley likened Appiah-Forson to world renowned defensive midfield ace Kante.

Ex Hammers academy chief Westley likens young star to Kante and says he could be next to burst on the scene

“I left when he was still a scholar but I’ll never forget how committed Keenan was,” Westley told The Athletic.

“He always listened and wanted to improve. I can tell he’s really enjoying himself and that’s what warmed the staff to him. You could always rely on him to do well.

“Keenan’s small but he’s such a tough boy. He’s similar to N’Golo Kante in terms of his work ethic because he’s so difficult to mark. Keenan has a lot of potential and it’s great that young players are getting an opportunity at West Ham under David Moyes. Keenan could be next.”

If that is the case, Appiah-Forson’s timing could not be better.

West Ham captain Mark Noble has announced he will hang up his boots at the end of next season.

Moyes desperately needs another combative central midfielder as cover for Rice and Tomas Soucek.

Perfect timing for all concerned and a player desperate for the opportunity

So if Westley is right and Appiah-Forson is next in line, he could spend a year under the guidance of Noble.

And the player himself would clearly appreciate the opportunity.

He told West Ham’s official site it is his dream to make the first team.

“I really hope to make it into the first team one day,” he told whufc.com.

“It’s everything I’ve ever wanted and it shows that Academy graduates are given opportunities here, so that’s something I’m looking to achieve one day.

“My dream in football has always been to play men’s football professionally. That’s my dream.”

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