West Ham winger Dan Kemp exudes confidence on the ball... but he must start to get stronger physically

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Our scout is a top football expert who attends matches each week searching for the next star. 

This week he has chosen to focus on West Ham United youngster Dan Kemp.

Kemp was selected for the Toulon Tournament earlier this summer. Here is the latest lowdown on the 18-year-old...

Sportsmail's Secret Scout this week focuses on West Ham United winger Dan Kemp

Name: Dan Kemp

Age: 18

Club: West Ham United

Position: Right midfield

Value: £500,000

2017-18 appearances: Two 

The 18-year-old is one of several promising young players West Ham have in the background

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.

Kemp is a big-hearted, diminutive, left-footed wide player who has plenty of skill

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.

WHAT DOES HE NEED?

At present his use of the ball and seeing the purposeful pass is not in doubt. However, he will need to strengthen up to resist the more physical elements of the senior game. 

Kemp's pace is reasonable but he does not frighten defenders with electric speed and that is why I see him as more of a midfield schemer than a progressive wide man. It would be nice if he could grow a couple of inches, but he should look at the qualities of the late, great Alan Ball and realise that there is no need to feel inferior. 

Time will tell whether he will get an opportunity at senior level. However, it would be nice to think that West Ham will look to introduce some of their younger players to assist the club in their current situation.

It must be noted that Kemp will need to increase his physical strength to be able to compete