This article is part of Football FanCast's In The Pipeline series, which takes a look at some of the most promising young talent either linked with clubs or emerging from their academies...

There have been plenty of calls for Nathan Holland to be called up to the first-team this season, and rightly so. He has put in various eye-catching performances, most notably against Valencia B and Brentford B.

However, with all of the hype surrounding the 21-year-old winger, Joe Powell seems to have been left in the shadows in regard to the prospect of earning first-team opportunities.

Watch West Ham United Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

In terms of his Premier League 2 form, Powell, 21, has managed 3 goals and 3 assists from 10 matches - with these numbers including the assists for both goals in a 2-0 win against West Bromwich Albion and a superb lob with his left foot to open the scoring against Stoke City.

Following that strike, Dmitri Halajko raved about Powell and the technical ability he possesses on the club's official website: “That’s his second time this season where he’s lobbed the keeper from well near the halfway line. He did it in pre-season against Anderlecht, a little bit further out actually.

“He’s got that technical ability, so it wasn’t too much of a shock really because we know he can do it.”

The creative midfielder hasn't just been doing it in the youth leagues though, as he showed that he has the quality to make an impact during the EFL Trophy loss against Exeter City last week.

His clever back-heel played an important role in winning the penalty that he eventually converted - he also scored from the spot in the win against Newport County.

All of this follows his spell on loan at Northampton Town during the second half of last season, in which he also impressed, getting 2 goals and an assist from 6 starts and 4 substitute appearances - which includes a wonderful half-volley to secure a 1-0 win against Newport.

Following the goal, Northampton defender David Buchanan praised the youngster, as reported by The Northampton Chronicle & Echo: “I’m not sure the goal deserved to be in that game because it was different class but he’s got that technique.

“He’s a young lad from West Ham learning his way and he’s come in, got his head down and integrated with the group fantastically well."

The youngster also made his Hammers debut during that campaign, coming on for the final 28 minutes of the 8-0 Carabao Cup win against Macclesfield Town, setting up both of Grady Diangana's goals on the night with first-time passes.

Considering how much he has impressed when he has been given an opportunity, it might not be too long before Powell begins knocking on the door for a chance in the first-team.