Of all the talent on the verge of breaking through from the West Ham academy, I believe Leo Chambers has the best shout for a place in the first team. He has performed superbly in the Development squad and though his preferred position is in the heart of defence, he has started at right back in our two Capital One Cup games so far. He did not look out of his depth in either, impressive considering Cardiff City are a Premier League side.
Guy Demel, our current first choice right back, is not getting any younger at age 32. With rumours flying about him not being able to complete a majority of games due to a condition that needs managing, we could see a lot more of Leo this season.
He has played in 6 of the 7 Development Squad games this season, his performances contributing to the team’s success, so far they are top of the league on goal difference.
Chambers has also represented England at U16, U17, U18 and most recently U19 levels, captaining the U18 side to victory in his only appearance for them, and scoring on his U19 debut in September.
Having just turned 18, and with senior pros to mentor him, coupled with Sam Allardyce and well respected Development squad coach Nick Haycock, Chambers is set to have a glittering future ahead of him at West Ham.
Chambers is likely to start on the 29th October at Burnley so watch out for him, he could become a permanent fixture in the team sooner rather than later!
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He’s a great prospect no doubt but if GD can’t plat BFS will play JoB @ rb and bring Roland(Rat)in @ lb hope Leo is patient but his time in 1st X1 in the prem will come
I thought Jordan Spence was a jewel in the crown, having played for and captained England at all ages. I saw him play a couple of times and thought he was excellent. Then again the coaches at West Ham and other clubs don’t think the same as me. He’s on loan at Owls now.
Turgott and Hall (now Bolton) were also very good and have so far failed to cross the line into first team play. I was hoping Paul McCallum would break through this season – goodness knows we need a reliable forward. There is no guarantee that any player will mature into a premier pro. All we can do is hope and dream! That being said, I hope Chambers makes it.