Player for the Future - James Tompkins

A year ago defender James Tompkins became West Ham's youngest ever reserve team scorer at the age of 16 in only his second reserve team appearance. He has strength, physical presence and heading prowess with excellent anticipation and decision making that often snuff out trouble before it happens as well as excellent ball skills that see him easing away from challenges before setting up an attack with an admirable range of passing. He was amongst the goals again in the Irons' reserves 5-2 demolition of Leicester a couple of weeks ago, but can also be found playing for the youth side on Saturday mornings. He is seen as a defender in the mould of Bobby Moore, and the Ferdinands. Expect him to line up alongside Anton in a few seasons time.