It’s been a tricky start to life at Nottingham Forest for James Ward-Prowse – particularly during the last month.
Ward-Prowse was just starting to find his feet at Forest and produced arguably his best performance to date during his 78 minutes on the pitch.
The problem in that game was that Ward-Prowse was sent off in that game and was subsequently suspended for the first game after the international break.
As a result of the 1-0 win over the Eagles, Ward-Prowse was left on the bench for Friday’s game against Leicester and didn’t get on the pitch.
Now, the midfielder will likely be desperate to get some more minutes only he can’t play this week either as the Reds face his parent club, West Ham.
Ward-Prowse is only two free-kicks away from breaking the Premier League record currently held by David Beckham and he will be keen to box that off this season.
The 29-year-old might have endured a sticky month at Forest but he will get game time this season and there is definitely hope that he can still come good.
James Ward-Prowse absolutely loves playing alongside Nottingham Forest star
This week Forest had an open training session at the City Ground with a number of fans turning up to see their heroes in action.
It was a nice glimpse of behind-the-scenes for the supporters as Nuno Espirito Santo put his team through their paces ahead of Saturday’s game.
Ward-Prowse was on hand for an interview afterwards and he’s been quizzed on Forest captain Ryan Yates who has linked up alongside the on-loan player this season.
He told the Shut Up and Show More Football podcast: “He’s been fantastic to play with for sure. He’s welcomed me into the club and he’s sort of made me feel right at home. I sort of feel like I knew him before I actually knew him if you like, he’s someone I get on with really well and I love playing alongside him.
“He’s not just a good captain but he’s a good captain and he’s someone who you feel like you’ve got your mate in there and that’s a big thing, we push each other through.”
Ward-Prowse and Yates will be important players this season
Forest need a squad and as fans, it’s important that we don’t write off a player with the experience of Ward-Prowse just yet.
Okay, he’s not done a deal to influence games just yet but that will come with more game time and hopefully, he can get some minutes against Newcastle next weekend.
Yates is the man pulling the strings from midfield right now and as the captain he looks like being a mainstay in the team.
However, Espirito Santo has showcased in the past that he’s not afraid to mix things up and perhaps the partnership of Yates and Ward-Prowse will get some more to develop as the season progresses.
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