Freddie Potts has been one of the standout players for West Ham during pre-season.

Potts has returned from two impressive seasons on loan at Wycombe Wanderers and Portsmouth with the goal of becoming a member of the West Ham squad in the Premier League.

Graham Potter was excited to work with him after seeing his performances on the South coast last season, and he has given him all the opportunities possible.

The 21-year-old midfielder is the only academy youngster that has featured in every pre-season match, and he even started in the final two matches that will likely be the starting in the first game of the season against Sunderland.

“It’s probably been the most special pre-season I’ve had in terms of the opportunities I’ve been given and the playing time I’ve had,” Potts said. “It’s been my dream since I was a kid to be part of the West Ham first team, and to be around this squad is obviously something I’ve wanted my whole life.

“It’s not going to be a period I forget for sure, but I want to keep learning and looking forward. As a team, I think we’re feeling good, and winning can only help that, like we’ve done today (against LOSC Lille).

“There have been a lot of positives in terms of performances and results this pre-season, and we’ve come through another good test against Lille. They played in the Champions League last year, but we’ve got there on penalties, and that can only be good for me and the team.

“I’ve loved being a part of it in pre-season, but there’s obviously still a lot I can learn. The main thing for me is to keep learning off the players who have played at the highest level, and I’m really enjoying that at the moment.

“I’m really enjoying the test of stepping up. I’ll always back myself, no matter what team I go into, but playing with some of the guys here isn’t something you can take lightly. I really want to prove myself and be a part of it for the whole of this season.”