One West Ham United teenager is a truly sensational prospect, and he’s completely going under the radar.
West Ham are well known for having one of the very best academies in England, with numerous high level youngsters coming through the ranks right now.
Lewis Orford is one of those, and he hit the headlines this week when he signed a new five-year contract with the Hammers.
Whilst Orford is one of the best of the current crop of youngsters, there are plenty of other teenagers who are pushing him for the title of the most talented player in the group.
Ollie Scarles and George Earthy are probably the two other most well known youngsters at the club right now.
However, one young player is going somewhat unnoticed…
Dan Rigge a star in the making for West Ham
West Ham have a whole host of talented teenagers amongst or ranks right now, and Dan Rigge is one of the very best in my opinion.
The 18-year-old bagged a mightily impressive 13 goals and six assists in 21 games for the Hammers under-18s last season.
West Ham signed Rigge from Manchester City back in the summer of 2022, and allegedly beat eight clubs in the race for the talented teen’s signature.
The Hammers reportedly then beat SIX clubs in the race to tie down Dan Rigge to a new contract last year, and that now looks like a real coup for the club.
He can play on either wing or in the number 10 position, and is incredibly technically gifted.
If he continues to work hard and applies himself properly both on and off the pitch, he’ll undoubtedly go on to succeed at the very highest level.
Rigge under the radar
The 18-year-old is only going under the radar because of the sheer brilliance of three Hammers youngsters in my opinion.
George Earthy, currently out on loan with Bristol City, Lewis Orford and Ollie Scarles have all stolen the limelight from the former Manchester City youngster.
However, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It ensures that Rigge hasn’t got too much pressure on his shoulders.
The teenager has everything needed to go on and become a star in the game, what with his stunning technique, tight ball control and ability to make things happen out of nothing.
If you want to see an example of just how talented Dan Rigge is, watch his strike for the West Ham under 18’s here, via the club’s official X account:
The sky really is the limit for the 18-year-old, and I think the fact that he’s flying under the radar right now will do him the world of good.
