West Ham player ratings v Grasshoppers – Ward-Prowse superb, two stars 4/10
West Ham kicked off their pre-season in style with a win over Swiss side Grasshoppers on Saturday.
Graham Potter’s side travelled to the home of Grasshoppers’ academy sides on 19 July for the match, with the Hammers dominating from the off.
Andy Irving found the net in the first half after the Scot was found by Jarrod Bowen, before Callum Marshall doubled the lead with a low drive from range.
Bayern Munich loanee Jonathan Asp Jensen got one back for the home team before Lucas Paqueta scored a late penalty to end the match 3-1.
Here, West Ham Zone rates every player’s performance out of 10 on a positive afternoon for Potter.
Ward-Prowse impresses against Grasshoppers
It is fair to say James Ward-Prowse has not lived up to the £30million price tag West Ham paid to sign him from Southampton in 2023.
But the 30-year-old returned to the club in February after an unsuccessful loan move to Nottingham Forest and has had more of a role to play under Potter.
Ward-Prowse looked sharp against Grasshoppers, pulling the strings from deep within the midfield while also making runs beyond the last line.
One deep run into the box from the midfielder was found, and ultimately resulted in a Bowen shot that flew just wide of the post.
The Englishman’s quality is evident, and he can prove to be a valuable asset to Potter this season – should he use him correctly.
Marshall shows readiness
Marshall is a striking talent who could well make his mark at The London Stadium this season.
The 20-year-old was prolific at the academy level for the Hammers, and performed well for League One side Huddersfield on loan last season.
The striker will likely attract interest from several clubs for another loan in the lower leagues this summer, but judging from his performance against Grasshoppers, he looks ready to make an impact for Potter.
Marshall’s goal was sensational, picking up the ball just inside the opposition half and driving towards the box before unleashing a driven shot into the bottom corner.
And he could have had two more, going close with a well-saved header and a blocked shot.
It was the Northern Irishman’s pass through the line to Lucas Paqueta that led to West Ham’s late penalty. Potter is sure to have been massively impressed by the youngster.
West Ham player ratings against Grasshoppers
Alphone Areola – 6
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6
Jean-Claire Todibo – 5
Max Kilman – 5
Oliver Scarles – 5
Maxwel Cornet – 4
Guido Rodriguez – 5
Andy Irving – 7
James Ward-Prowse – 8
Jarrod Bowen – 8
Niclas Fullkrug – 6
Second half
Wes Foderingham – 4
Dinos Mavropanos – 6
Kaelan Casey – 5
Nayef Aguerd – 5
El Hadji Malick Diouf – 8
Luis Guilherme – 5
Freddie Potts – 6
Lewis Orford – 5
Tomas Soucek – 6
Lucas Paqueta – 8
Callum Marshall – 9
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