Ward-Prowse Eyes Bright Future at West Ham Under Lopetegui's Guidance

West Ham United midfielder James Ward-Prowse has expressed enthusiasm about his development under the club's new manager, Julen Lopetegui. The 29-year-old playmaker, who joined the Hammers from Southampton last summer for a reported £30 million, is eager to build on his first season and is optimistic about the upcoming campaign. Having registered 11 assists in his debut season at West Ham, Ward-Prowse showcased his playmaking abilities, particularly from set pieces, although he struggled to find the net himself. The England international has a notable history of scoring from direct free kicks, having converted 17 in the Premier League, just one shy of David Beckham's long-standing record. However, his last free-kick goal came in February 2023, and he humorously reflected on the pressure of not having found the net from dead-ball situations in claret and blue just yet. Despite the initial adjustment to a new club and a head coach, Ward-Prowse feels he has settled well in the squad. He noted that moving to London was a significant change, not just in terms of football, but also in lifestyle, as he transitioned from being a captain and key figure at Southampton. "It was my first time moving and everything that comes with it, so I've learnt a lot," he shared. His first year at West Ham taught him much, and he believes he is equipped to make further contributions to the team's success. The midfielder appreciates the modern methods implemented by Lopetegui, describing the coaching style as "exciting" and well-suited to his game. He highlighted the structured training sessions that have a clear purpose and are designed to enhance the players' performances. With new signings like Luis Guilherme and Wes Foderingham settling in well, Ward-Prowse sees a bright future ahead for the team, despite acknowledging that the season may be transitional as players adapt to Lopetegui's philosophy. As West Ham looks to compete for European qualification once again, Ward-Prowse remains ambitious about his own career goals, including a return to the England national team. He last featured for the Three Lions in June 2022, and while he supports his teammates from afar, the midfielder is determined to earn his recall through consistent performances for his club. Reflecting on the challenges of a new season, Ward-Prowse remains optimistic about West Ham's prospects, stating, "We want to improve every year, and with our manager's experience, there’s no reason we can’t aim for that again." His optimism suggests that, while the road ahead may be filled with challenges, both he and West Ham are poised to make significant strides in the upcoming campaign.