Why Freddie Potts’ absence from West Ham pinpoints important summer question for Nuno
Freddie Potts has had time out of the West Ham squad following his straight red card against Burton Albion last month.
Though the Hammers ran out 1-0 victors in the end, they didn’t make it easy for themselves, as Crysencio Summerville bailed his team-mate out in extra time.
Potts was sent off for a reckless challenge on Julian Larsson, subsequently receiving a three-match ban from his sanction.
The midfielder may return to action in the Irons’ FA Cup clash against Brentford on Monday, but regardless, Nuno Espirito Santo may have some thoughts on his mind.
Will Freddie Potts stay at West Ham this summer?
Potts was sent out on loan to Portsmouth last season, where he learnt his trade in the Championship before returning to Rush Green ready for first-team action.
The 22-year-old has made 21 appearances this season in all competitions, as the majority of them have come under Nuno since Graham Potter’s sacking.
- Potts has started in 11 Premier League games this season
- He has an average league match rating of 6.84, according to Sofascore
Potts has made a difference in the Hammers’ midfield, but with other options ahead of him in Nuno’s pecking order, will he get game time next season?
The final few months of the season may be a good answer to that question, but if he can’t break into the first team, a summer loan exit could be on the cards.
As seen in the graphic above, Potts was far too good for Portsmouth, but could fit in well at a promotion-chasing Championship side, or another low-end Premier League club.
It all depends, of course, on the Hammers’ ability to stay in the Premier League.
The struggle that Potts already faces at West Ham
It’s hard to see Potts coming into the side with the likes of Mateus Fernandes, Tomas Soucek, and Soungoutou Magassa all being consistently used by Nuno.
The West Ham boss also needs to find a balance of youth and experience with not long left of the campaign left, and Potts may be a causality of that.
Limited opportunity to impress may also hamper his ability to play the minutes that he needs to at this age under Nuno.
But one thing the 22-year-old will give is his all, and it’s exactly what West Ham surely need heading into a crucial run of fixtures in their club’s history.
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