“Potts The One”: Why Freddie Potts left Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker in no doubt after his breakout for West Ham United
Young midfielder Freddie Potts has clearly arrived. When West Ham United faced Newcastle United on 2 November 2025, their home win wasn’t just about the three points — it was about a 22-year-old academy graduate staking his claim to a first-team future. And the applause didn’t stop at the London Stadium: pundits Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker were vocal in their praise, identifying Potts’ display as something special. (West Ham Zone)
A big moment in a pressure test
With the club finding itself in volatile form and needing energy in midfield, manager Nuno Espírito Santo handed Potts his first Premier League start. The stakes were high — Newcastle are no pushovers — and Potts responded with a performance that simply demanded attention. (West Ham Zone)
The stats back his impact: he made four tackles and six clearances, while also completing 33 of 39 attempted passes (84 % pass accuracy). (West Ham Zone) His defensive workrate gave West Ham the solidity they’d been lacking, while his composure on the ball showed he isn’t simply a defensive destroyer but someone comfortable in possession too.
Why Shearer and Lineker were impressed
On the “Rest Is Football” podcast, Alan Shearer didn’t mince words:
“The young boy, Freddie Potts, making his first Premier League start… To put him in in a pressurised situation like it was and for him to stand out like he did, he got Man of the Match, he was brilliant, he was, really stood out.” (West Ham Zone)
Lineker agreed seamlessly:
“Totally agree with that,” he added, “but for a toenail, he would have scored.” (West Ham Zone)
That kind of endorsement from two of England’s most respected pundits sends a clear message: Potts is not just “promising”, he’s “ready”.
What Potts offers West Ham right now
Here are several reasons why his performance resonated so strongly:
- Club-grown DNA: Potts is a product of West Ham’s own academy, meaning he has a connection to the club’s culture and expectations. This matters when a side is battling to find identity and energy.
- Balance of work and skill: Many young players excel in one dimension (defence or attack) but Potts showed a blend: breaking up play, making clearances, and passing efficiently.
- Timing is perfect: With West Ham still in a challenging phase and needing players to step up, this kind of performance puts Potts in Nuno’s thoughts. The club could have someone in-house rather than seeking external fix-players.
- Confidence booster: Being thrown into a high-pressure environment and delivering builds belief—not just for Potts personally, but for the team who now know what he can give.
What next for Potts and the Irons?
Of course, one game doesn’t make a career — but it can be a launchpad. For Potts to maintain momentum:
- He’ll need consistency: replicating the energy and composure across matches, both home and away.
- He’ll need to adapt and learn: against different opponents, his role will vary. Defending deeper, pressing higher, passing under pressure – all will be tests.
- The manager must trust him: Nuno now has an opportunity to either keep him integrated or let his moment fade. Shearer and Lineker are already sending the message: “Here’s someone worth backing.”
Final word
Freddie Potts’ performance wasn’t just a flash in the pan—it was a statement. With Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker both highlighting how special his outing was, West Ham appear to have a young midfielder ready to move from potential to genuine Premier League contributor. For the club, for the player, and for the fans — this could mark the start of something significant.
If you like, I can pull up week-by-week stats for Potts throughout the season to track his progress.
