Renowned football pundit Alan Shearer has showered praise on the remarkable influence of James Ward-Prowse since the midfielder’s arrival at West Ham United, writes the COS. Speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day 2, Shearer hailed Ward-Prowse as one of the world’s premier set-piece takers, emphasizing the significant role he played in West Ham’s late comeback against Nottingham Forest, where he provided two crucial assists.
According to Shearer, Ward-Prowse’s set-piece deliveries pose a nightmarish challenge for defenders, asserting that the English midfielder has been the best in the business for an extended period. Shearer remarked, “James Ward-Prowse is world class. He is the best around and has been for a long time. Two assists today, he’s got nine all season in all comps, more than any other Premier League player, it’s a nightmare for defenders.”
Ward-Prowse’s statistics support Shearer’s acclaim, as the midfielder is averaging 2.5 key passes per game, a figure that places him among the top five in the Premier League alongside players like Bukayo Saka and even surpassing Mohamed Salah.
The £30 million midfielder is often likened to the legendary David Beckham, sparking ongoing debates about whether Gareth Southgate’s England squad is missing out on this valuable asset. Despite West Ham’s strong performance in Europe and their current 9th position in the Premier League, there is a lingering sense that the team is just a couple of defeats away from a potential crisis. However, with James Ward-Prowse in the squad, manager David Moyes can remain confident in the team’s potential for significant success this season. Ward-Prowse’s impact on set pieces and overall gameplay has proven to be a valuable asset, providing a boost to West Ham’s aspirations.