Jamie Redknapp wowed by ‘world-class’ James Ward-Prowse following West Ham United debut
Jamie Redknapp raved about the performance of West Ham midfielder James Ward-Prowse in his side’s victory over Chelsea on Sunday (20 August).
The 28-year-old, who signed for the Hammers from Southampton on 14 August, set up two goals on his debut in the 3-1 win over the Blues at the London Stadium.
After the game, Sky Sports pundit Redknapp described the England international’s delivery as “world-class” and believes he will add something different to the Irons’ squad.
“He’ll bring so much quality,” he said. “He brings you world-class delivery – that’s a fact. He’s brilliant at pressing, he’s very comfortable on the ball and there’s an argument to say that the pass he played, Declan Rice hasn’t got that in his locker – he’s got other attributes.
“That pass is instinctive, it’s such quality and he’s going to bring something different to this club. I just think £30million when we look at the price tag for what defensive midfield players are going for right now, you’re going to guarantee great set-piece delivery, you’re going to guarantee free-kicks where he’s going to score goals individually and he’s going to add an awful lot of quality.
“He’s a brilliant signing considering the current market in that position.”
Bodes well
It was an amazing start to Ward-Prowse’s career at West Ham and it bodes well for what is to come from the midfielder during his time at the London Stadium.
Redknapp is right to point out that he is an excellent signing in the current market and he is already on his way to paying back the £30million transfer fee we paid Southampton for him.
It’s also true that he is a technically better player than Rice and will add something different to the squad with his pinpoint delivery from set pieces.
Ward-Prowse is also extremely hard-working in the middle of the park and that will be important this season without having the presence of the former Irons captain in there.
It’s very early days still and everyone will be wary of getting too carried away after just one game, but the midfielder really couldn’t have got off to a much better start in claret and blue.
In other West Ham news, an update has been issued on one potential signing’s medical.