5 West Ham Academy Players in the First Team

West Ham’s academy has produced a plethora of talented footballers in the past. Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Paul Ince and Rio Ferdinand were all once West Ham academy players and went on to win a ton of silverware with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United  – and they aren’t the only ones.

There’s one player that stands out above the rest – you can probably guess who it is! Regardless, the other four players are also extremely talented footballers with potentially glittering careers at the London Stadium.

Ben Johnson

Ben Johnson has slowly but surely begun to usurp Vladimir Coufal’s position in the first team at right back. He’s made 16 appearances in total this season for the Hammers, registering a single assist.

Johnson is just 23, with plenty of time to develop into a top-quality full back. He hasn’t reached his full potential yet, but David Moyes’ faith in him appears to be paying off.

He can also do a job at left back, despite being a natural right footed player. Can he press on and become a West Ham icon?

Conor Coventry

Another rising star in West Ham’s ranks, Conor Coventry made his Premier League debut for the Irons this season. The Republic of Ireland youth international came on as a substitute in West Ham’s first game of the season, where they were beaten 2-0 by Manchester City.

At 22, some may think that Coventry’s time to become a first team regular at the Hammers has passed. Despite this, it’s important to remember that not all players are the same – some hit their prime later than others.

Coventry has been on loan at clubs such as Lincoln, Peterborough and MK Dons. He has plenty of first team experience – but not much for West Ham as of yet.

Divin Mubama

The youngest player on the list, Divin Mubama was also handed his first West Ham senior team appearance by David Moyes this season. At just 18, he’s still very raw, but could turn into a top-quality centre forward.

He was brought on as a substitute during the Irons’ 3-1 defeat to Arsenal. He’s been impressive for West Ham’s U21s this season, racking up four goals in ten games.

He’s also featured for West Ham’s U18s, where he accumulated four goals across four games. He still has a way to go, but Mubama’s future certainly looks bright.

Harrison Ashby

Son of former Watford player, Barry Ashby, Harrison Ashby is a defender like his father before him. A natural right back, he can also fill in at centre half if he’s required to.

The 21-year-old, like the previous two entries on the list, has only made one appearance for the Hammers thus far. Despite this, he has shown plenty of potential for the U21s and U18s.

He plays football internationally for Scotland, despite being born in Milton Keynes. Additionally, he has yet to receive a senior team call up from the Tartan Army.

Declan Rice

Here’s the one you all expected to see – Declan Rice isn’t just the best midfielder at West Ham, he’s one of the best midfielders in the world. Excellent passing ability, limitless energy and adroit defensive skills make him a truly world class holding midfielder.

An England mainstay, he is currently one of the Three Lions’ most important players. His contributions sometimes go unnoticed, but this does not make them any less vital.

Rice is arguably the best defensive midfielder that West Ham have had in the past ten years. But for how much longer will he remain a Hammer?