Should West Ham play Kaelan Casey as their fourth choice centre back

Towards the end of the last season, young defender Kaelan Casey was named in West Ham's matchday squad several times by former manager David Moyes. In the final home game of the season, Moyes brought Casey as a second half substitute in the final minute of the match, with West Ham leading 3-1 against Luton Town. In the preseason, Casey played three matches for Julen Lopetegui's side before the start of the new season.

Thus, it has posed the question, should West Ham bring Casey to their first team squad as a fourth choice centre back. Casey has made a total of 93 appearances for West Ham's youth teams scoring nine goals and provided three assists as a central defender. If West Ham decide to give Casey more playing time in the first team, the 19-year-old will gain more experience from the other defenders in the squad.

Should West Ham play Kaelan Casey as their fourth choice centre back

Therefore, in a few seasons, he will adapt well to the pace and physicality of the Premier League and will improve his game further as a defender. With this, they would have a long term young centre back in their team who will bolster West Ham's defence for many years at the club. However, if Julen Lopetegui's side decide to sign an experienced centre back on a free transfer, the new player will play a few good seasons at the club, making him a short term option instead.

Also, if the experienced defender gets sidelined with an injury, his pace and fitness will decrease in the next few years, which wouldn't be a good situation for the Hammers. Thus, West Ham should consider providing Casey more playing time in this season if they couldn't sign a quality defender on a free transfer. The Hammers have several young talents like Lewis Orford, Kaelan Casey, Freddie Potts and Josh Ajala making impressive performances for the youth teams, thus West Ham fans will be excited to see them showcase their high potential at the London Stadium.