James Ward-Prowse hailed as ‘huge upgrade’ at West Ham United as top Premier League sides slept on transfer
West Ham have “reaped the benefits” of other Premier League clubs not trying to sign James Ward-Prowse this summer, according to Paul Brown.
The former Daily Star journalist told GIVEMESPORT (19 September) that the former Southampton captain has proven to be a “huge upgrade” at the London Stadium and should be one of the Hammers’ “best players” this season.
The England international has two goals and three assists in just four top flight appearances since his £30million move from Saints [Sky Sports, 14 August].
Brown said: “I think there were other clubs in the upper echelons of the Premier League that could have taken a look at Ward-Prowse, but maybe thought that they had enough cover in that area to make a move for him unnecessary, and West Ham have reaped the benefits of that.
“I think they got a great deal in the end. I think he’s proved to be exactly what I said he would be, a massive part of their team.
“A huge upgrade in the area giving them something they didn’t really have before, and I think he’ll go from strength to strength there and be one of their best players this season.”
Diamond
David Moyes may have missed out on the Premier League experience he wanted in defence when the Harry Maguire move fell through but he must be feeling pretty good about securing it in midfield with Ward-Prowse.
There are few summer moves that have worked out so well in the early runnings across the whole Premier League let alone just at West Ham, and the price is starting to look like an absolute bargain.
Based on his current production the midfielder would have been worth far more, especially given some of the fees for others in his position, even if he surely can’t keep up this pace forever.
The man he helped replace, Declan Rice, was one of those who commanded huge money as the former Irons captain made a £105m move to Arsenal.
But the fact that, so far at least, his absence hasn’t really been felt on the pitch is a testament to Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez’s start to life in East London.
Although West Ham were brought back down to earth with their first defeat at the hands of Manchester City at the weekend it has still been a very encouraging beginning to the campaign and Ward-Prowse has been a major part of that.
In other West Ham news, a contract decision is causing uncertainty at the club the longer it drags on.