Graham Potter was surprisingly positive after West Ham United’s defeat to Newcastle United on Monday night.
The defeat to Newcastle was a tough one to take, as West Ham missed out on the chance to make it three Premier League wins in a row.
Graham Potter cut a frustrated figure on the sidelines at the London Stadium, as his side struggled to create many clear-cut chances, if any at all.
It was a really tough watch in all fairness.
Graham Potter apologised to the West Ham fans after the game, suggesting that he’s sorry if things aren’t coming together quicker than some want them to.
Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
The West Ham fans don’t need an apology. The level headed supporters realise that we face a long, painful rebuild ahead, but the rewards on offer in the long-term are what makes the wait worthwhile.
However, one thing that could hold Potter back is his over reliance on certain players who don’t possess the capabilities needed to succeed in the modern game at the very highest level.
Graham Potter says James Ward-Prowse was ‘fantastic’ vs Newcastle
The Hammers head coach is clearly working very hard behind the scenes to get his team up to scratch.
However, the truth of the matter is that so many of the players at the club right now are not good enough, and they will be moved on in the summer.
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It’s impossible for Potter’s system to thrive with certain players clogging up the process.
James Ward-Prowse is someone who is actually a very good footballer. However, I really have my doubts whether he’s fit for purpose in this West Ham team.
Potter obviously likes him though. The 49-year-old brought the midfielder back to the Hammers on transfer deadline day in the January window, after his loan deal with Nottingham Forest was mutually terminated.
And the West Ham boss offered huge praise for the midfielder’s performance against the Toon, as quoted by WHUFC.com:
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
“James Ward-Prowse I thought was fantastic, covering such an amount of ground, you know.“
Personally, I thought the £30 million man was incredibly average, and that’s being kind to him.
The thing is, the 30-year-old is a useful squad member.
However, if the Hammers are to make genuine progress, Potter desperately needs to make a big upgrade on the former Southampton midfielder.
And that’s why the gaffer’s praise of Ward-Prowse concerns me so much. Does Potter not see what we’re all seeing?
Is he oblivious to the fact that the Hammers desperately lack any kind of athleticism in the middle of the park?
James Ward-Prowse lacks pace, power and dynamism and that means West Ham get run through in midfield far too often for my liking.
It’s no coincidence that Nottingham Forest sent him back to the London Stadium is it.
It’s time for Graham Potter to get real with James Ward-Prowse. Should the Hammers sell him this summer? Maybe not.
But should he be starting regularly for us? Absolutely no, he shouldn’t.