Ferdinand wowed by Kaelan Casey after what he saw at West Ham United
Anton Ferdinand has picked out Kaelan Casey as the West Ham United prospect he has “high hopes” for in the future.
The defender has been in and around the Hammers’ pre-season camp in Florida and highlighted Casey as his one to watch.
Speaking to the Daily Mail on 29 July, Ferdinand stated that Casey was a “fantastic talent” and detailed some of the key aspects of his game.
“Me being a defender, I’ve got really high hopes for him,” he said.
“I think he’s a fantastic talent. Somebody who likes to defend 1v1, deceptively quick, someone who has got a great work ethic and someone who is willing to learn.
“I see a lot of myself in him in terms of his willingness to learn and his appetite for the club.
“I think that could take him a long way. He needs opportunities, needs chances, but I have no doubt that if any of these boys get opportunities, they’ll take it with both hands.”
Kaelan Casey could be given a chance at West Ham United
One of the main problem areas within the Hammers’ team last season was that of their defence.
The club finished the Premier League season with the fourth-worst defensive record with only the three relegated teams ending the term worse off.
Granted, this lack of defensive stability isn’t solely down to the likes of Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd but the fact that the club now wants to see the back of both players tells you everything you need to know.
Max Kilman has already been brought in to help offer some stability and across the entirety of the window, the London-based club has been linked with moves for centre-backs.
But, if the club’s recent luck with defenders is anything to go by, they may have to resort to giving Casey an extended run in the team.
The defender has been subject to some interest from both Championship and League One sides [The Athletic, 16 July] but it’s unlikely that the youngster would choose to move down the leagues on loan if there’s a potential chance of him being offered to become part of the first-team fold.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have submitted a £15million bid for an attacking target.
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