The Ward-Prowse battle

James Ward-Prowse’s high-profile move to West Ham last summer hasn’t quite lived up to the  promising start with goals and assists. The Southampton legend finds himself battling to reclaim his place in the starting line up.

Ward-Prowse quickly won over fans and media with his set-piece expertise, contributing to 16 goals (5 goals, 11 assists) in his first 40 appearances.

He scored crucial goals against Brighton, Manchester City, and Nottingham Forest, while his free-kick prowess was a welcome addition to West Ham’s arsenal.

A key factor in Ward-Prowse’s move was the hope of regular playing time boosting his chances of making Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the Euros.

Despite nearing David Beckham’s record for free-kick goals, Ward-Prowse has yet to score from a set-piece this season.
This dip in form, coupled with West Ham’s struggles, resulted in him missing out on Southgate’s latest England selection.
Moyes acknowledged the fierce competition for places in the England squad.

Ward-Prowse’s recent performances haven’t helped his cause. A poor showing against Freiburg in the Europa League and a halftime substitution against Burnley saw him dropped for the following two games. The midfield trio of Paqueta, Alvarez, and Soucek seems to have impressed Moyes more.

Ward-Prowse needs to find a way back into the manager’s plans. The emergence of a strong midfield combination puts him in a precarious position.
With West Ham facing Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League quarter-finals, Ward-Prowse has a golden opportunity to prove his worth on a big stage.
He expressed his desire to contribute more and help the team achieve European glory.

Ward-Prowse’s future at West Ham hinges on his ability to rediscover his early season form. The upcoming European matches offer a platform for redemption, but time is running out to impress Moyes and earn a regular starting spot.