Secret Scout: West Ham starlet Nathan Holland is an all-round midfielder

Our secret scout is a top football expert who attends matches each week searching for the next star.  He'll bring you his verdict exclusively for Sportsmail.

This week, he's focusing on West Ham's rising starlet Nathan Holland.

WHAT HAS HE GOT?

From the first whistle of a recent match to the last, this young winger caught the eye. In a low-profile game viewed by only a handful of people, Holland played impressively, enjoying the space afforded him with a fine display of ball control, selection of pass and constant movement.

I found it difficult to fault his all-round game, although the opposition did give him too many opportunities to command the ball. Finding space, he skipped down the left flank, mainly cutting inside and gaining a clear ascendency on that side for a young West Ham team.

Getting more of the ball and no doubt following instructions from his coach, Holland moved infield in the second half and helped to wrest the game from the opposition. His play in that area was just as smooth.

Invariably his first touch was spot on which made it difficult for any defender to challenge, as Holland was well balanced to take the ball in his stride in one movement.

From the left of midfield, he hit two cross-field balls which hummed their way to his right back, who was racing forward.

WHAT DOES HE NEED?

Maybe he could have attacked the outside of the full back more in the first period, and he could have also been more goal conscious rather than always looking to set team-mates up - but that's a tiny down side on an afternoon when he sparkled.

He worked hard enough and retreated into good positions to receive the ball. A nice size and an easy mover, I did wonder about how consistent he is, as this is always important. I will need to look at him again.

He showed enough in the friendly to suggest that, for all their foreign talent, West Ham would be unwise to neglect him.