WHAT’S HE GOT?

DAN KEMP is one of several promising young players who West Ham have in the background but, in their current position, they are unwilling to promote the likes of Reece Oxford (now on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany), Reece Burke and Nathan Holland. Young winger Kemp is a big-hearted, diminutive, left-footed wide player who has the skill to take on more of a central midfield role. While wide, his colleagues have enough confidence in him to continually supply him with early passes, because they believe he can unlock defensive barriers. When in possession he exudes calmness and assurance on the ball, looking to make penetrative passes. He has a good selection in his locker and I particularly like his vision to see the reverse pass, giving his full back confidence to make forward runs. At close quarters he is able to see the simple

pass, and find the pass for the return. Like all colleagues at this level, work-rate is a prerequisite and that is no problem for this busy winger. As a young player he was among a plethora of skilful boys at Chelsea but joined West Ham in November 2015, believing his opportunities would be greater. Although only being around 5ft 6in, he has an ability to go past players at close quarters with his quick feet. He moves the ball well when running at defenders and, when the tackler approaches, is clever enough to get sideways on and drag the ball away from the defender with the movement of his left foot. I also feel he has the footballing brain to be appreciated alongside more senior players. I particularly like the way he made himself available to receive the ball when his team were under the cosh.