West Ham’s U23 star that no one is talking about

It’s not hard to see who the focal point of West Ham’s development squad is at the moment. With Nathan Holland soaking up all the attention, there is one star everyone is overlooking.

The West Ham U23 team won against Middlesborough U23s and moved to 16 matches unbeaten in a row. The level of competition is down this season with relegation closing out the prior season, but the team is proving they are packed with elite talent.

Nathan Holland has been leading the way for this crew, as well. Two years in a row now Holland has declined loan moves to stay close to the West Ham senior team and be ready and available for his chance to impact Manuel Pellegrini’s team. Rest assured that opportunity comes this season if not against Oxford this week, but another player has been banging in goals left, right, and center, and he needs some recognition.

Ever present in that clip was striker Anthony Scully who is a name West Ham fans need to get acquainted with quickly. Scully, son of former QPR and Notts County player Tony, comes from footballing stock and has been proving it this season. Despite Holland making his life easier, Scully has etched out a position as a starting player with Xande Silva injured.

With five matches under his belt this season in the PL2, Scully (19) has four goals and one assist to his name with West Ham sitting atop the table.

The loan of Oladapo Afolayan to Mansfield Town created an opportunity for Scully who hasn’t looked back since. Previously playing as an attacking midfielder and winger, Scully has seemingly embraced the center-forward role and has thrived in that position.

The Academy of football appears to be alive and well in East London with both Holland and Scully smashing in goals seemingly at will. Mix in the likes of Joe Powell, Connor Coventry, Dan Kemp, and Ben Johnson and there is all the more reason for Hammers supporters to be excited about the future.

With Oxford United waiting for the Hammers ahead of a midweek League Cup match, look for Pellegrini to inject more youth into the first team to avoid a Michail Antonio situation again. It needs to be Holland’s match to start, but Scully could be a bench option for striker support.