Former Premier League midfielder Don Hutchison has made a bold claim that could excite West Ham United fans, suggesting the club may have already found a natural successor to Declan Rice within their own ranks.
Hutchison's Verdict on the Young Star
According to Hutchison, who spoke to London World, 22-year-old academy graduate Freddie Potts has all the attributes to follow in the footsteps of the now-Arsenal star. The pundit drew direct comparisons between the two players, emphasising their similar physical profiles and early career trajectories.
"Freddie Potts can 100 percent live up to the Declan Rice comparison," Hutchison stated. "I was impressed with him in pre-season. If you look at the style and the profile, he's as tall as Declan. He can run like Declan."
Hutchison was quick to clarify that the comparison is based on Rice's initial breakthrough period at West Ham, not the world-class player he has since become at Arsenal. He recalled that Rice himself made mistakes early on and was even tried at centre-back by David Moyes before establishing himself as a midfield force.
A Standout Debut Against Newcastle
The faith in Potts isn't just based on potential. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo threw the youngster into the deep end for his first start against Eddie Howe's Newcastle United, a team renowned for their strong midfield.
Potts responded with a performance that made him one of the best players on the pitch, earning praise from Match of the Day pundits. Former England goalkeeper Rob Green noted his tactical understanding, while Michael Carrick, a midfield maestro himself, was particularly impressed.
"He played his position with real understanding," Carrick said, describing Potts' display as "disciplined and mature." This disciplined approach echoes the qualities that first made Rice so valuable to West Ham – doing the basics well, protecting the defence, and linking play without unnecessary flash.
A Beacon of Hope in a Tough Season
The emergence of Potts provides a welcome boost for West Ham during a challenging campaign. Despite sitting in the relegation zone after a dismal start under former manager Graham Potter, the Irons find themselves in a curiously tight league table.
The team is just nine points from the Champions League places and six from mid-table safety. With back-to-back wins building momentum, the potential rise of a new homegrown hero at the London Stadium is giving fans a genuine cause for optimism as Nuno Espirito Santo's tenure continues to develop.
