West Ham may already have the next Declan Rice through an exciting academy prospect.

The academy of football has produced some of England’s best ever players – most recently, Declan Rice who captains the Three Lions tonight. As of right now, it’s full of individuals who have the potential to play at the very top.

Divin Mubama, George Earthy and Callum Marshall are probably the trio that get the most hype but Football Fancast believe that one player in particular will be the next big thing to come out of the West Ham youth set up.

Oliver Scarles is an exciting left-back who has been enjoying a fantastic season for the U21s. The recently turned 18-year-old has been on the senior team’s bench on a number of occasions and you would hope it’s only a matter of time until he gets an opportunity to prove his worth.

His ability to play in different roles effectively could see him become a useful player over the next few months. 

Similarly to Rice, Scarles was released from the Chelsea academy before joining the Hammers. While he might play in a different position, he has the potential to be just as good as the midfielder, which is really saying something.

Obviously that depends on whether he can develop as we all hope he will, but it is clear to see why the news site singled him out as the one to keep an eye on. It shouldn’t be long until he gets his moment, and you just get that feeling he will seize it with both hands.