Lopetegui’s arrival in the Summer and the friendlies and Florida tour which followed, produced some pretty big career decisions for several players: Within a few weeks of the Spaniard’s arrival, players had been selected for the squad or earmarked for dispatch on loan. Youngsters George Earthy and Freddie Potts were sent off to championship sides for the season.
Some were elbowed out on deadline day to make way for the coach’s preferred incoming deadline day recruits. Nayef Aguerd, James Ward Prowse and Maxi Cornet were all cast out to make way for Lopetegui’s picks.
Carlos Soler came in to compliment the free signing of Guido Rodriguez in what was a major remodelling of West Ham’s midfield. Which hasn’t turned out too well.
Steidten and Lopetegui between them produced a midfield that cannot run. Without Ward Prowse ( who hadn’t set the world on fire, but could at least be a threat from corners), the Hammers midfield had two speeds: “slow” and “stop’. Rodriguez Soler, Alvarez and Soucek between them weren’t winning any sprint races.
So when I read headlines of ”James Ward Prowse loan to end and player to be recalled in January” today, my first though it is not ‘hurrah’ but – just how poor does the existing midfield have to be, if James Ward Prowse is the answer?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m pleased to see the headline, yet sceptical in any case that his loan can be ended early. Certainly a Guido Rodriguez upgrade, Ward-Prowse can at least run, pass, take corners and rumour has it, hit the odd free-kick.
It is just a sad reflection on how bad West Ham’s midfield options are if Ward-Prowse is seen as a magic bullet.
