Vladimir Coufal says West Ham new boy James Ward-Prowse reminds him of legendary Italian star Andrea Pirlo and Lyon icon Juninho

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

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

The 28-year-old netted his side’s second goal in their victory over Luton on Friday night with a trademark corner kick that found Kurt Zouma’s head.

“I don’t need to say how good he is, everyone in the Premier League and Britain and maybe the whole world knows who James Ward-Prowse is because of 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 delivers exactly to that spot. It’s easy for him. His kicking technique is absolutely amazing.’

Stylish 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 regarded by many as the greatest free-kick taker of all time.

Ward-Prowse helped propel West Ham to the top four, while David Moyes’ side topped the Premier League overnight following their victory at Kenilworth Road.

Coufal believes West Ham’s victory in last season’s Europa Conference League gave West Ham the faith to continue after a disappointing league campaign, which saw the club drop out in a relegation battle and many are calling for Moyes’ sacking.

But to be honest, even Coufal didn’t expect West Ham to have started the season so strongly.

“After winning the Conference League, we have gained a lot of confidence,” said Coufal. “Now we play like we feel bigger, with confidence, we trust each other, our process, our football. We stay together. It brings the fruits and brings the points. We don’t want to change anything. But to be honest, I didn’t expect ten points from these four games.’

Moyes, however, saw things differently.

“To be honest, he said before the game that he wants to be at the top of the league before the international break,” said Coufal. “It’s a very good start for us. I say: let’s get thirty more points and then we can talk.’

Coufal also supported match winner Zouma as the club’s permanent captain following the departure of Declan Rice. Zouma has worn the armband for the first few games of the season, while Moyes has yet to confirm who will lead West Ham for the rest of the season.

Moyes appreciates Zouma’s leadership and looks set to be the leading candidate, but the West Ham boss is said to have weighed in on how the centre-back captain would be received after the intense criticism that followed the incident where Zouma was filmed while he kicked his cat.

“Kurt is captain to me,” Coufal said. Why not (for the rest of the season)? He wears the bracelet. The boss said he was going to be captain, so he is. It’s absolutely no problem. He has great respect for his career and for what he has achieved. He’s a great personality.’