It is very easy to forget that Ollie Scarles is still just 18 years and 233 days old.
It is 21 months since Scarles made his West Ham United debut in a 3-0 UEFA Europa Conference League win away at FCSB, aged just 16 years and 326 days.
That night in Romania, Scarles impressed greatly, completing the full 90 minutes and playing his part in a victory that completed a perfect group stage for the Hammers, most notably when his cross was dropped into the path of Pablo Fornals, who scored.
While the left-back has yet to add to his debut, the teenager remains highly thought of in east London and, after working hard for the past five months to recover from a fracture in his back he suffered earlier this year, Scarles is training with the first-team squad in Florida.
With superb technical ability, a positive attitude and a physique he has strengthened during his recent rehabilitation, Scarles is looking to impress Head Coach Julen Lopetegui and his staff, not just on the Sunshine State Tour but when the squad return to Rush Green to conclude their pre-season schedule next week.
“It’s been a really good experience so far, and having a lot of the Academy boys out here as mates has probably made it better, and it’s a chance to get in front of the new Head Coach and show him what I can do before the start of the season,” Scarles began, speaking with real maturity. “The heat here makes you tired more quickly, but it’s about adapting to the conditions and playing football.
“I got injured in March and that’s given me a chance to build myself up physically and I think I’ve done a good job of that. I’ve had a lot of time to be able to put on a bit of muscle and that’s going to help me in my career and on the pitch as well.
“I think I’ve got a good left foot, showed when I made my debut that I’ve got good crossing ability and am not afraid to be positive and do positive things with the ball, so that’s what I hope to do on the pitch.”
Having had one taste of first-team football, Scarles is naturally eager to taste more in future.
“One hundred per cent, that’s literally my aim,” he confirmed. “At the minute, I’ve obviously just come back from injury, so it’s about getting in front of the new Head Coach and make sure I try and impress him as much as I can in training and in any pre-season minutes that I get to then hopefully be part of the squad and get minutes here and there in the season.”
Scarles' next chance to show what he can do could come on Saturday, when West Ham take on Premier League rivals Crystal Palace at Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in the Stateside Cup. Tickets are still available to purchase HERE.
