Experts have rowed over West Ham star James Ward-Prowse and Arsenal’s Declan Rice live on Sky Sports News.
When West Ham sold Declan Rice to Arsenal in the summer, many questioned the club’s ability to replace him.
Rice has been an instant hit with the Gunners – as West Ham fans told their Arsenal counterparts he would.
But so too have the players the Hammers signed in his stead – particularly James Ward-Prowse.
Many have hailed Ward-Prowse – who has eight goals and assists in nine games – the signing of the summer while others feel Rice deserves that particular accolade.
And it has caused a disagreement on Sky Sports News.
Experts row over West Ham star James Ward-Prowse and Arsenal’s Declan Rice on live TV in debate about signing of the season
Experts row over West Ham star Ward-Prowse and Arsenal’s Rice on live TV in a debate about the signing of the season.
Football analyst Samuel Obaseki made the case for Rice being the signing of the season after his move to Arsenal.
But fellow expert Henry Hill was incredulous that he was overlooking West Ham’s Ward-Prowse.
“So I’ve said that Declan Rice has to be one of the signings of the season,” Obaseki said on SSN.
“Yes the price is a lot and everyone can talk about that. But in terms of impact, in every big game that Arsenal have had this season – the one we saw against (Man) City – we saw how well he played. If they’re really going to go to the wire with Manchester City he’s going to be a key cog to their team.”
‘I don’t see why you can overlook him’
Hill agreed Rice was living up to his price tag and is not against him being labelled signing of the season, but was in disbelief that Ward-Prowse was being overlooked by his colleague.
“I think James Ward-Prowse has gone into that West Ham side and been excellent,” Hill said.
“I think he’s got more assists than any Englishman in Europe this year, I think he’s just so perfect for the style of play they utilise – his corners and crosses with the big guys they’ve got in the box, they’re a threat from set pieces. He’s been great.
“And he’s been scoring some normal goals (in open play) as well. I don’t see why you can overlook James Ward-Prowse as one of the big signings.”
Obaseki interjected saying: “I’m not overlooking him” to which Hill responded: “You are!”
‘Rice has proven he is that player’
“I’m talking about the fact that Arsenal went from challenging for the title to wanting to challenge this season and you have to bring in those players that can propel you to that point where you’re still as confident,” Obaseki added.
“Rice has proven he is that player.”
Pundits, fans and journalists have raved about West Ham’s summer business. And Rice has also been hailed a difference maker for Arsenal since his move.
As a hybrid generational talent it was always going to be tough to fill the Rice-shaped hole in West Ham’s side.
But Tim Steidten and David Moyes have actually strengthened the midfield using the £105m from Arsenal by signing Ward-Prowse, Edson Alvarez and Mohammed Kudus.
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