There will have been no one happier at West Ham United than Mark Noble to see Freddie Potts force his way into Graham Potter’s plans during the Premier League Summer Series in the USA.
Returning to his parent club after a terrific loan spell in the second-tier with Portsmouth, former Hammers captain-turned-sporting-director Noble knew this would be a ‘massive’ summer for young Freddie Potts.
The Barking-born midfielder has made no secret of the fact he dreams of becoming a first-team regular at West Ham United. A dream he now appears closer than ever to realising.
And Noble, who has watched Potts’ rise with a keen interest ever since his days as an Under-11, was understandably delighted to watch the Hammers starlet hold his own alongside far more experienced teammates across the Atlantic.
Freddie Potts was a ‘class act’ against Everton as Lucas Paqueta and Niclas Fullkrug secured a 2-1 comeback win in Chicago. He then played a further 70 minutes in the 2-0 victory over AFC Bournemouth three days later.
Potts, though, is not the only youngster making progress in a claret and blue shirt.
Mark Noble hails West Ham United youngsters as Freddie Potts shines in the USA
Jarrod Bowen feels West Ham have a ‘special talent’ in 18-year-old Preston Fearon. Ollie Scarles will be competing with El Hadji Malick Diouf for a starting spot next season.
Lewis Orford and Kaelan Casey are considered first-team players these days too, with the latter expected to join Swansea City on loan for the 2025/26 Championship campaign.
Speaking to the official West Ham website, Noble also highlights Airidas Golambeckis; the England Under-18 international who was part of the squad for all three of those USA-based friendlies.
“It’s actually been really good, we’ve had three really good games,” Noble reflects. “Obviously, it’s pre-season so you can’t take nothing out of that [result-wise], but you start looking at the fitness and obviously it’s great to see the young boys here with us.
“Preston Fearon has come on. Airidas Golambeckis has been here the whole time. And Freddie Potts, Kaelan Casey, Lewis Orford and Oli Scarles, they’re all here.
“So that’s fantastic to see them out here and just see the boys sort of having a good time together. I know how important team spirit is going into the season with the staff. Obviously it’s been a really good trip.”
Callum Marshall excellent as Noble predicts big things for next generation
Noble does not mention Callum Marshall, the 20-year-old Northern Irishman back at West Ham after winning Huddersfield Town’s Young Player of the Year award last season.
Graham Potter sung Marshall’s praises after his superb solo strike against Grasshopper Zurich in Switzerland, though. The West Ham faithful have drawn comparisons with Jamie Vardy too, impressed by Marshall’s relentless pressing and nippy movement in attack.
“We all know that it’s the games and the three points that really matter but, when you have a good pre-season, it really does help. Obviously I’m here to support the manager and the club and our young players because I think we’ve got some really special ones,” Noble adds.
“It’s fantastic to be here, [but it’s time to go] home now and obviously getting ready for the season because it’s going to be a real tough season.”
West Ham will face French giants LOSC Lille in their final pre-season test before that Premier League opener away to Sunderland on August 16th.
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