Ward-Prowse Ready to Shine as West Ham Embraces New Era Under Lopetegui

James Ward-Prowse, the 29-year-old midfielder for West Ham United, is gearing up for a pivotal season as he embraces the modern coaching methods of new head coach Julen Lopetegui. After a season filled with adaptations following his £30 million move from Southampton, Ward-Prowse reflects on the lessons learned and the ambitions he holds as the Hammers prepare for the challenges ahead. In his inaugural season with West Ham, Ward-Prowse showcased his creativity by contributing 11 assists across 51 appearances, although his goal tally, including a notable lack of direct free kicks, left something to be desired. Despite having converted 17 direct free kicks in the Premier League, he is still chasing the record set by David Beckham. "I keep telling myself that I am saving it for a special moment," he remarked, indicating that he remains confident that his signature free-kick prowess will return to form. Ward-Prowse’s journey has not been without its hurdles. After a strong start to the season, he found himself sidelined under Moyes late in the campaign—a stark contrast to his captaincy and influential role at Southampton. However, the transition to Lopetegui has reignited his enthusiasm. “I knew straight away it was the right fit,” he said, expressing his satisfaction with the club's new direction under the experienced manager. The pre-season has been a period of renewal and growth for Ward-Prowse and the squad. He was involved in friendly matches that provided him with a chance to bond with new signings and adjust to Lopetegui's approach. His excitement shines through as he describes the manager’s emphasis on a modern, purposeful style of play that aligns well with his own strengths. Ward-Prowse believes that the hard work put in during this transitional phase will pay dividends, enabling West Ham to compete for European qualification once again. The club is also actively pursuing new talent, with a £30 million deal for Jhon Duran from Aston Villa reportedly in the works, adding to the optimism surrounding the squad's depth and potential. The midfielder has also highlighted the impressive integration of fellow new signings like Luis Guilherme and Wes Foderingham, noting that the camaraderie within the team is strong. As the Hammers aim for a successful campaign, Ward-Prowse has also set his sights on earning a recall to the England national team. Despite not having featured since June 2022, he remains hopeful and committed to proving his worth. “I’ve always tried to be level-headed and let my football do the talking,” he said, underscoring his belief in his abilities and the work ethic he brings to the pitch. With the upcoming season poised to be a mix of excitement and uncertainty, Ward-Prowse’s determination to lead and contribute to West Ham's ambitions reflects a player eager to make an impact both at the club level and on the national stage. As the new season approaches, the Hammers and their supporters will be watching closely to see how this talented midfielder can translate his potential into results on the field.