West Ham United's Chadwell Heath academy set-up is arguably in the best place it's ever been.

And first-team manager David Moyes may need to call upon it more frequently in the coming months, if not seasons.

The Irons face a hectic schedule throughout the current campaign. having started unbeaten in the Europa League, whilst they remain in all domestic cup competitions too.

Heading into the summer, there will be plenty of big decisions facing the Scotsman, irrespective of how their season turns out.

One problem he will certainly face is in midfield, where club captain and legend Mark Noble is set to retire, bringing down 18 years of service in east London.

A squad place will become available and it would only be right if it was handed to another player to have come through the system, but who is best placed to fill such a void?

Well, young midfield gem Freddie Potts, son of two-time Hammer of the Year and U23 coach Steve Potts, has been gaining a lot of praise in recent times and could be one name put forward.

Back in June, he signed a professional deal to tie him down until the summer of 2024, which is a considerable investment for an 18-year-old that is yet to make his senior debut for the club.

"Freddie had a really good season last season, going into the U23s and becoming one of the top performers," claimed U23s boss Dmitri Halajko. He was one of the players who really helped turn our form around at the back end of the season, putting in some unbelievable performances.

"He deserves this new contract, and will hopefully continue this year where he left off last season."

According to The Athletic, the teenager has impressed staff at the Hammers' training base with his maturity and dedication, two signs that suggest he could be the man to fill Noble's void.

'He is known for often being the first on the training ground and will stay behind after sessions. Potts’ strengths are his ability to read the game, composure and ball retention,' wrote Roshane Thomas, who has also lauded him the "best prospect at the club" on Twitter before.

In fact, he has even been touted as the "long-term replacement for Noble", which bodes really well.

Irons insider ExWHUemployee is another figure associated with the club that has heard impressive things about the young midfield - speaking on his 'The West Ham Way' podcast, he said:

"One player that I've heard good things about is Steve Potts' other son Freddie - Freddie Potts. I've heard that he's a really good player.

"Obviously, Dan Potts was also Steve Potts' son, played a couple of games for us and now plays for Luton. Apparently, Freddie is even better. [He's a] central midfielder, I think. Hopefully, he'll be the next [big] thing so I like the fact [he's] Potts' son."

In Potts, Moyes could well discover the Hammers' next Noble - a dedicated one-club legend that could grace the engine room at the London Stadium for many, many years.

West Ham is clearly in his blood and if he continues to impress, then it'll only be a matter of time before he makes his senior bow.

AND in other news, West Ham given fresh hope in Jesse Lingard saga...