West Ham United’s prestigious academy has seemingly kicked into overdrive over the last few years, with their 3-0 win away to FCSB in the Europa Conference League in November standing as proof as David Moyes handed appearances to nine of the club’s youngsters.
This comes just a few years after Declan Rice, the crowning jewel of their youth academy in recent times, has made himself a mainstay for both club (222 games) and country (39 caps).
Arguably one of the most impressive players to have emerged from the academy was Rio Ferdinand, with the mountainous centre-back going on to be a stalwart for the Three Lions and win a plethora of football’s most prestigious trophies.
These are the players that the Irons’ youngsters will look to emulate in their rise through the ranks.
Who is the ideal Aguerd alternative at West Ham?
The Hammers could now set to produce their next iteration of the Manchester United legend in Jamal Baptiste, who was hailed by former Premier League marksman Carlton Cole as the “next Rio” and a “massive prospect”.
Standing at 6 feet in height, the 19-year-old has been earmarked for success for some time now. Boasting physicality and a comfort on the ball, it was devastating to see him endure a five-month absence from football with what Moyes described as “real problems”.
Now returning to academy football, there will be hope that the teenager can recapture the form which saw him lauded in some quarters.
Former West Ham academy manager Terry Westley sang his praises with this early claim: ‘One of the finest young prospects at the club without any doubt is 15-year-old Jamal Baptiste who believe me is going to be a monster player’.
How has Baptiste performed for the U23s?
Baptiste’s lengthy absence has unsurprisingly halted his impressive form, but if he can recapture that early promise, then surely he can expect a place in the first-team to beckon once again.
He already boasts two senior appearances and last season he shone in the Football League Trophy against senior opposition. His 6.97 average rating was underpinned by a mammoth average of 6.7 clearances per game (via Sofascore).
Comparing him with Nayef Aguerd, who has already struggled with injury since his summer move to the London Stadium and limped off against Chelsea this weekend as well, there is not a huge gulf in class.
So far this season, the Moroccan has managed four clearances and 2.2 tackles per game (via Sofascore), respectable returns albeit not as eye-catching as Baptiste’s. He is not the most dominant of centre-backs but uses his intelligence and positioning to snuff out danger, as he showed by expertly thwarting Callum Wilson last week.
The Irons need a similarly impressive stand-in for Aguerd in order to maintain their levels, and all the signs point towards Baptiste being that man. His return to academy action will be a welcome sight to those in and around the club who clearly think very highly of him.