Jurgen Klopp shares James Ward-Prowse admission ahead of West Ham United v Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp has lauded the signing of James Ward-Prowse ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League clash with West Ham on Saturday (27 April).
The Hammers signed the 29-year-old midfielder for around £30million last summer, benefitting from Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League. [BBC Sport]
Ward-Prowse’s pedigree in the top tier of English football has come as no surprise after 12 years with the Saints, notching six goals and 12 assists in all competitions under David Moyes.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday (26 April), Klopp said: “[James] Ward-Prowse, super-smart signing for West Ham, I have to say.”
Can James Ward-Prowse help West Ham United to punish Liverpool?
Despite just one goal contribution in his last 10 appearances in all competitions – scoring from a corner against Wolves – Ward-Prowse has continued to perform well for West Ham.
Using the transfer fee earned from Declan Rice’s move to Arsenal last summer, the former Southampton man is just one piece of good business, joining Mohammed Kudus and Edson Alvarez in that bracket.
Though the midfielder has lost 12 of his 18 meetings with the Reds, Klopp will be well aware of his dangers from set-pieces as well as his passing ability in open play. [Transfermarkt]
While he can only boast one goal and two assists against Liverpool, the former Premier League champions are currently in a spiral, something the Hammers can take advantage of.
Liverpool have lost three of their last five matches, including the Merseyside derby defeat at Goodison Park and a Crystal Palace upset at Anfield.
Though the Londoners are not in any better form, this is a chance for Moyes to go out with a bang as manager as rumours about his tenure continue to swirl.
In other West Ham news, a decision has been made already on another manager linked to the job.
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