Alan Shearer stunned by James Ward-Prowse in West Ham United win v Nottingham Forest
Alan Shearer was left stunned by James Ward-Prowse’s performance in the 3-2 win for West Ham over Nottingham Forest on Sunday 12 November.
The former Newcastle striker gushed over Ward-Prowse’s set-piece ability both from corners and free-kicks and claimed when you have someone like that in the side you will have no shortage of goals.
Shearer even went as far as labelling the midfielder “world-class” in a hugely glowing review of his talents which were analysed as he picked up two assists in the game.
Speaking live on Match of the Day 2 [12 November, 34:25], Shearer gushed: “James Ward-Prowse is world-class. He is the best around and has been for a long time.
“When you’ve got players who can put it there, and when you’ve got players who are determined to get on the end of it, then you’ve got a fantastic chance.
“Two assists today, he’s got nine this season in all competitions, more than any other Premier League player. It’s a nightmare for defenders.
“They’re good at that. Like I said, when you’ve got players who are committed and want to get on the end of it, and then you’ve got the delivery like he does every single week, you’ve got a right good chance of scoring so many goals.
“He’s brilliant at it, and has been for such a long time now.”
A crucial part of the team
It’s fair to say the majority of the Hammers’ attacking threat in games comes from dead-ball situations. With Ward-Prowse’s delivery and the likes of Thomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen eager to score goals, they are proving almost impossible to stop this season.
Two more assists for the Englishman yesterday saw the Hammers turn the game around from 2-1 behind and proved once again how vital his role in the team is under David Moyes and the influence he has on his teammates.
Moyes reportedly insisted on bringing Ward-Prowse to the London Stadium in the summer transfer window, and he has already been repaid in his faith with nine assists in all competitions leading to some big wins and big points for the team.
Set-pieces have always been a big part of the way Moyes sets his teams up, with physical presences that will cause problems for any defence and a wicked delivery which is now being provided by one of the very best around.
In other West Ham news, a talkSPORT pundit provided a new Moyes sack verdict.