Ward-Prowse wows Potter at Rush Green after what Lopetegui did to West Ham ace

James Ward-Prowse is straight back into the thick of it with West Ham United, after his return from a loan spell at Nottingham Forest.

Now back at Rush Green, the England international has been thrown into the deep end by Graham Potter, despite not being fancied by Julen Lopetegui.

Ward-Prowse, 30, spent the start of this campaign on loan at high-flying Forest but struggled for game time at the City Ground.

Lopetegui shunned Ward-Prowse at West Ham

Potter is now said to be keen to incorporate Ward-Prowse back into his side, and he could go straight back in against Brentford, according to The Sun.

The newspaper reports in its print edition (13 February, pg 45) that the midfielder has impressed in training since his recall to east London.

Lopetegui appeared not too keen on the central midfielder, who since signing from Southampton at the start of 2023-24 ended up making 50 appearances in his debut season.

West Ham persisted with the likes of Edson Alvarez, Guido Rodriguez and Carlos Soler, who have had mixed success during the year at the London Stadium and have come under scrutiny.

Potter, however, sees a role for Ward-Prowse who will feel a huge point to prove following his underwhelming stint in Nottinghamshire, with some quarters backing him to succeed back in a West Ham shirt.

The two clubs have endured contrasting seasons with Forest on course to qualify for the Champions League, while the Hammers essentially have a free hit for the final 14 games with no danger of relegation and little chance of climbing the table enough for Europe.

Hammers know what to expect with Ward-Prowse

With Ward-Prowse, you know what you're getting. A consummate professional; a workhorse with incredible robustness for the Premier League; and a free-kick wizard.

The 11-cap England midfielder may just be the obvious puzzle piece required as Potter looks to shape up his team for the long haul, deciding who he wants to build his side around.

Ward-Prowse is aiming to continue his Premier League career with an established club with no threat of dropping to the Championship like his former side Southampton, whom he captained through many of his 410 appearances.

His set-piece ability shines through, his 17 Premier League free-kicks scored synonymous with how he has shaped his career.

It could feel exactly like a new signing at the London Stadium as the cliche goes, with Ward-Prowse going begging if Potter doesn't use him.