West Ham outrank the top four in terms of chances given to players under the age of 21, according to a report from the Telegraph.
The Hammers have given Premier League appearances to four players younger than 21 this season, the same as Manchester United, with only Wolves, Everton, and Leicester City playing more youngsters.
Declan Rice, Issa Diop, Grady Diangana, and Xande Silva have all featured for Manuel Pellegrini’s side this season, with Rice and Diop both being virtual ever-presents in the Irons starting 11.
OPINION
West Ham’s reliance on youth this season has been a fine example of the good things that can come from a little bit of belief and a lot of trust. Issa Diop and Declan Rice in particular have been outstanding for the Hammers this season, and play at a level far beyond anything you would expect from two players so young. Rice especially, being an academy graduate, has excited passions at the London Stadium, and already he looks like a future captain and international star. Giving youth a chance isn’t everything, of course, but it does suggest that Manuel Pellegrini is interested in looking to the future of the club, and is making real strides in ensuring that the next generation of Irons heroes are getting a chance. Aside from the four named by the Telegraph, West Ham have a host of youngsters knocking on the door, with Joe Powell and Nathan Holland in particular looking like they could be first team regulars in the relatively near future.
