What a whirlwind ride the last year has been for Paddy Lane, who was playing non-league football with Hyde United in 2020/21 but is now drawing links to the Premier League. 

The midfielder has been phenomenal for Fleetwood Town this season, with his exploits earning him a first Republic of Ireland cap and the reported interest of West Ham United.

The Hammers are said to have scouted Lane this term (The Mirror (17 April, page 74)) and view him as a potential understudy to Jarrod Bowen, who has been excellent since making the move from the EFL to the top flight.

Bowen's move came off the back of multiple impressive seasons at Championship level but moving for the Fleetwood player would be much more of a risk given this is his first season above non-league.

It's certainly been an impressive campaign, however, and, with the help of Wyscout, we've dived into the numbers to highlight what he could offer David Moyes.

The 21-year-old has featured 37 times for Fleetwood this season, starting 30 times and coming off the bench on seven occasions, and has been used in a range of different roles – including central midfield and on both flanks.

Lane has scored five times and provided eight assists for a side that have been battling relegation in League One, and has more goal contributions and assists than any other player in Stephen Crainey's squad.

The Fleetwood player averages 1.43 shots (39.2% on target), 2.27 crosses (28.4% accurate), and 1.46 touches in the opposition box per 90 – highlighting how involved he is in the final third.

His ball carrying ability is another of his strengths, as his 4.51 dribbles (68.9% success) and 2.38 progressive runs per 90 highlight.

Lane's pass completion rate of 73.3% does leave a little to be desired but as his 85 shot assists this term illustrate, he is often making high-risk passes in the final third.

It's the 21-year-old's attacking contributions that have turned heads but his defensive statistics – 5.78 defensive duels (58.3% success), 3.9 loose ball duels (36.7%), 3.34 interceptions, 5.24 recoveries, and 1.65 clearances per 90 – suggest he is not afraid of getting stuck in.

There's plenty to like about Republic of Ireland international and though there is an element of risk given he's still raw, signing him this summer could help West Ham beat future competition.