One Hammer proved why Moyes hardly ever plays him with awful performance vs Backa Topola
Even though the West Ham players were clearly not at their peak tonight in their Group A Europa League debut, the team nevertheless managed to prevail.
Our play was always going to be a little clumsy, but Hammers manager David Moyes did make nine changes from the team that lost 3-1 to Manchester City on Saturday.
Unfortunately, Pablo Fornals was the only player that fell flat.
Over the past year or so, the Spaniard has played very little, and tonight made it abundantly clear why.
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West Ham man had a shocker against Backa Topola in the Europa League
Fornals was removed from the game midway through the second half after putting on a pretty bad performance tonight against the Serbian team.
The 27-year-old’s departure was decades away, and he merely appeared to be a minor component.
Moyes has only played the Spaniard for 39 minutes in each of the previous four Premier League games the Hammers have played, according to Transfermarkt, and if tonight’s performance is any indication, he won’t get much more action over the coming few months.
Fornals was clumsy and slow, and he actually gave off a thoroughly defeated and insecure vibe.
Pablo’s contract at the London Stadium expires in the summer of 2024, and it was recently reported that he would not exercise his option to extend it by an additional 12 months.
Fornals’ performance for West Ham tonight against Backa Topola in the Europa League makes it evident, in my opinion, that his time at the London Stadium is coming to an end.
And that’s a genuine tragedy, as the Spaniard enjoys enormous popularity among the team.
Tim Sherwood thinks every manager in the league wishes they signed ‘perfect’ West Ham player
James Ward-Prowse, a midfielder for West Ham United, has received praise from Tim Sherwood for his outstanding start to the year.
Sam Allardyce and Sherwood were having a conversation on the No Tippy Tappy Football Podcast.
The two were discussing West Ham’s successful start to the season in the Premier League, which had been a hectic one overall.
Before finally losing to Manchester City over the weekend, David Moyes orchestrated victory against Chelsea and Brighton.
However, he and the new technical director Tim Steidten made some excellent moves during the transfer window.
The signing of Mohammed Kudus is highly exciting, and Edson Alvarez has easily transitioned into the holding midfield position.
Tim Sherwood, though, wanted to emphasize what a great acquisition James Ward-Prowse has been.
The 28-year-old received nothing but praise from him, and he thinks that any manager would be thrilled to sign him.
The Southampton captain attracted a lot of interest, but he ultimately decided to move to the London Stadium for almost £30 million.
This summer has seen a lot of money being spent, so he already seems like a good deal.
Sherwood raves about West Ham star Ward-Prowse
Sherwood responded, “Amazing, I think he’s the ideal David Moyes signing, when asked about West Ham’s acquisition. He is the ideal signing for every manager.
“He gets the job done, he buys into the manager’s philosophy, he has excellent technique, works on his game daily, and he delivers from set pieces, which is vital, especially for a side the size of West Ham and David Moyes’s style.
“You want to win games, and sometimes that might mean defending your box for significant periods of time before getting one or two chances from set pieces,” the player said.
“He’s outstanding, and his overall play is excellent. Good leadership abilities as well; he runs about and offers all for the shirt and isn’t afraid to speak up and deliver bad news.
“It’s amazing to recruit someone like [James] Ward-Prowse. I can’t say enough good things about him; he’s a steal for what he’s going to give them.
“Every football manager who has ever managed would want this kid,”
Sherwood’s assertion that West Ham outbid so many other teams to sign Ward-Prowse is a great compliment.
David Moyes has been quick to laud his new addition, while Lee Dixon has acknowledged that he already seems like a steal.
Ward-Prowse could play his first match in Europe since 2016 if selected about Backa Topola tonight.
He very much looks ready for European football right now and will be hoping to add to his five goal contributions already for the season.
