Why Moyes has it so wrong with Ward Prowse

Why Moyes has it so wrong with JWP

The contrast couldn’t have been more stark. In the first half, James Ward-Prowse played in two different positions and performed poorly. He initially started in the central attacking midfield position, although it’s more defensive in David Moyes’ version. This role prioritises pressing, work rate, and energy over traditional skills like passing, dribbling, and shooting.

Unsurprisingly, Ward-Prowse struggled in the attacking midfield role. As expected, the experiment failed, leading to him being switched to the left wing, where he is equally unsuited. Wingers typically excel in pace, trickery, and crossing, none of which are Ward-Prowse’s strengths.

Why Moyes has it so wrong playing Ward Prowse in attack

However, when Moyes positioned JWP in a proper midfield role alongside Edson Alvarez, he thrived. Not only did he score a wonderful goal from a corner, but his all-around game was excellent. He played in a role that requires work rate, simple passing, and determination, and he excelled in it.

I hope Moyes learns from this experience. Ward-Prowse is a decent central midfielder who takes excellent corners. Playing him in attacking roles benefits neither the player nor the team.