Another famous academy that has underperformed in recent years. Declan Rice and Ben Johnson were the only U23s to play over one thousand minutes last season - with Aji Alese coming third clocking in at a meager ninety minutes across the season.
Both of their youth sides have similarly struggled, winning just twelve games between them in fourty-eight games. However, there are talented players in the system even if the general level of the academy is not at the standard expected.
The Hammers, despite a strong season in the Premier League, are light in squad depth and this could be the season that a range of youth prospects get the opportunity to move into the reckoning.
Players in Profile - Three to Watch in 2021/2022
Conor Coventry
- Position: CM
- Age: 21
- Nationality: Irish
Irish U21 international Conor Coventry was the standout performer for the U23s in 20/21 and has continued that fine run of form into West Ham’s pre-season. Coventry spent time on loan at Lincoln two seasons ago and the experience kicked him on to another level, dominating the U23 level with five goals and two assists in seventeen appearances from a defensive midfield position. Possessing a diverse passing range and a thunderbolt shot, the dynamic midfielder has made a strong case for himself to become a first team regular this season behind Pavel Soucek and Declan Rice, while a call up to the full Irish national side is surely just a matter of time.
Ademipo Odubeko
- Position: CF
- Age: 18
- Nationality: Irish
Odubeko is a natural goalscorer who scored twelve times in his first season at U23 level playing just 908 minutes to do so. The former Man City and Man Utd striker was often deployed from the left wing but he is a natural born striker and will expect to occupy that role this season. Tall and quick, Odubeko has a striking resemblance to Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham and the physicality to cope with Premier League football should he earn the opportunity this season. Capable of scoring goals from all over the pitch - including a beautifully taken long range strike against Southampton - this Irish U21 international, much like his teammate Conor Coventry, can expect first team and international recognition this season with options limited for both club and country.
Jamal Baptiste
- Position: CB
- Age: 17
- Nationality: English
England U17 international Jamal Baptiste is probably the best prospect at the academy and another in the long line of quality central defenders to be churned out by West Ham. Last season he turned in a string of high quality performances and earned himself a spot on the first team bench while aged just sixteen. In pre-season, Baptiste has continued the good form, impressing in his early outings and making a genuine case for himself to be a regular in David Moyes’ squad. He does have competition from the youth system; Frederik Alves and Aji Alese are both fine players themselves but Baptiste is the youngest and most polished of all three, his ceiling is almost limitless at this stage.