James Ward-Prowse has assessed his first year at West Ham United under David Moyes and how he can operate under Julen Lopetegui.
Speaking to The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas [30 July], the England midfielder revealed how he was faced with new challenges after the first transfer of his professional career last summer.
Ward-Prowse arrived from Southampton after 410 senior appearances and three years as captain, but was not always guaranteed to be in Moyes’ XI towards the latter part of last season. He is exciting to be working under Lopetegui, who previously chased him whilst at Wolves [Sun Sport, 1 June 2023].
“My first year was really positive but also with a lot of changes from joining a new club,” the 29-year-old told Thomas.
“It’s the first time it happened in my career and it wasn’t just about concentrating on the football side. It was my first time moving and everything that comes with it, so I’ve learnt a lot.
“I want to do more and that’s what I’ll aim for this season. I’ve really enjoyed working under the new manager. He’s shown a modern and exciting way of playing, which suits my game. It feels like I’m going to fit right in with him.”
Ward-Prowse looking to step up at West Ham
By most accounts, it wasn’t a ‘bad’ season per se for Ward-Prowse in what was his first campaign at a new club during his professional career, after earning legend status at Southampton.
The midfield man still racked up 51 appearances in all competitions – missing just one Premier League game – and was relied upon for his exceptional endurance for the rigorous schedule of modern English football, acquired through the years at St. Mary’s – where if he was fit, he played every minute.
Whilst the South Coast to East London isn’t too far a move, it was new territory for Ward-Prowse away from many of his family and he claimed he is now looking to contribute more efficiently next season, even despite a rather impressive 14 goal contributions last season.
He will now look to force his way back into Three Lions reckoning when a new manager is confirmed, with two goals from his 11 caps to date.
Ward-Prowse also sits on 17 direct free-kicks scored in the Premier League and has not yet converted one in claret and blue (although he has netted a direct corner); he sits one behind David Beckham in the all-time list from the English top flight.
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