Coufal says Ward-Prowse reminds him of Andrea Pirlo

09/03/2023

Vladimir Coufal says West Ham new boy James Ward-Prowse reminds him of legendary Italian star Andrea Pirlo and Lyon icon Juninho… after the midfielder’s incredible start to Hammers life

James Ward-Prowse has made an incredible start to life since joining West Ham
He has provided three assists and bagged one goal in his first three appearances
Coufal says ‘world class’ Ward-Prowse reminds him of legendary midfielders

Vladimir Coufal said West Ham new boy James Ward-Prowse reminds him of legendary midfielders Juninho and Andre Pirlo.

Ward-Prowse has made an incredible start to life at West Ham with a goal and three assists in his first three appearances since his £30million move from Southampton.

The 28-year-old set up his side’s second goal in their win at Luton on Friday night with a trademark pinpoint corner finding the head of Kurt Zouma.

‘I don’t have to say how good he is, everybody in the Premier League and the UK and maybe all over the world knows who James Ward-Prowse is, from his free-kicks and corners,’ said Coufal.

‘He is absolutely world class. He reminds me of Andrea Pirlo or Juninho. He chooses the spot in the box and he delivers exactly to that spot. It is easy for him. His kicking technique is absolutely amazing.’

Classy playmaker Pirlo won six Serie A titles and two Champions Leagues with AC Milan and Juventus as well as the World Cup with Italy in 2006 while Brazilian midfielder Juninho was considered by many the greatest free-kick taker of all time.

James Ward-Prowse has made an excellent start to life since joining the Hammers

Vladimir Coufal (left) has reserved special praise for ‘world class’ Ward-Prowse (right)

Coufal compared Ward-Prowse to legendary Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo

Ward-Prowse has helped fire West Ham into the top four, with David Moyes’s side top of the Premier League overnight following their win at Kenilworth Road.

Coufal believes West Ham’s triumph in last season’s Europa Conference League gave West Ham the belief to push on from what had been a disappointing league campaign, with the club scrapping in a relegation battle and many calling for Moyes to be sacked.

But, if he’s being honest, even Coufal didn’t expect West Ham to have started the season so strongly.

‘After winning the conference league we gained a lot of confidence,’ said Coufal. ‘Now we are playing like we feel bigger, with confidence, we trust each other, our process, our football. We are keeping together. It is bringing the fruits and bringing the points. We don’t want to change anything. But, to be absolutely honest, I didn’t expect 10 points from these four games.’

Moyes, however, saw things differently.

‘To be honest he said even before the game he wants to be top of the league before the international break,’ said Coufal. ‘It is a very good start for us. I am saying let’s get 30 more points and then we can speak.’

He also compared Ward-Prowse’s set pieces to former Brazil and Lyon star Juninho (left)

Coufal also backed match-winner Zouma to be the club’s permanent captain following the departure of Declan Rice. Zouma has worn the armband for the first few matches of the season with Moyes still to confirm who will lead West Ham for the rest of the campaign.

Moyes values Zouma’s leadership and looks to be the leading contender but the West Ham boss is understood to have gauged opinion on how the centre-back being named captain would be received following the intense criticism that followed the incident of Zouma being filmed kicking his cat.

‘For me, Kurt is captain,’ said Coufal. ‘Why not [for the rest of the season]? He is wearing the armband. The boss said he will be captain, so he is. It is absolutely not a problem. He has big respect for his career, what he achieved. He is a big personality.’

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