Micah Richards believes that one West Ham player who started against Aston Villa does not get the flowers he deserves.
Despite Mateus Fernandes and Jarrod Bowen’s goals, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side suffered a 3-2 defeat against Aston Villa.
West Ham defender Konstantinos Mavropanos scored an own goal while Morgan Rogers bagged a brace to secure the three points for the visitors.
What does Nuno need to do to FIX West Ham’s defence?
More points lost…
Micah Richards gushes over Freddie Potts
Richards singled out Freddie Potts for praise after what he did against Aston Villa on Sunday.
The former Manchester City defender has been pleased with what he’s seen from the 22-year-old this season.
Nuno does not appear to trust Potts completely…
How else do you explain his interest in Kobbie Mainoo?
The London-born midfielder was credited with an assist for Bowen’s goal as it was due to his shot that the England international found himself in a solid goal-scoring position.
Richards believes that Potts does not get the credit that he deserves for his performances for West Ham United.
He believes that his contributions often go under the radar due to the Irons’ struggles in the Premier League.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football, Richards said: “It was Potts who had the shot, wasn’t it? I think he’s another player who’s quite underrated.
“I know it’s very difficult, because [they have] been losing a lot of games this season. But I just think he’s a top player.”
What’s next for Potts at West Ham?
Potts’ current contract at the London Stadium runs until 2029, so talks of a new deal are premature.
The Hammers hierarchy made the right decision by loaning him out to Wycombe Wanderers and then last season to Portsmouth.
Two full campaigns of first-team football have made him ready to start regularly in the Premier League.
This term, the 22-year-old has made six league starts and currently appears to have established himself at the heart of Nuno’s midfield.
What the manager will ask him to work on is his decision-making and positioning and he’s still raw and does make rash calls every now and then.
Having calmer heads around him will certainly benefit him, but he does seem to be growing into his role playing alongside Mateus Fernandes and Soungoutou Magassa.
Hopefully, he can maintain this level of fitness and put in better performances for the first team for the rest of the season.
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