The England international has failed to score or assist despite starting all five of the club’s Premier League appearances under former manager Graham Potter, who saw the 30-year-old as essential to his side.
The midfielder played under Nuno at Nottingham Forest whilst on loan, and the Portuguese head coach was a big fan of the playmaker before he was recalled.
“He is different. His experience and quality, his talent and his knowledge of the game.
“It was very hard because since James came in he was a big help for us. … Every game he played he helped us.
“There was a moment where he was not playing … and then his parent club told us … the decision was for the best for all parties.”
However, despite his admiration, talkSPORT report that West Ham will listen to offers for James Ward-Prowse in January as he becomes “the first victim of the Nuno Espirito Santo era” after he took over from Potter.
He was not involved vs Everton on Monday night as the two sides 1-1 and his absence was also purely based on selection, suggesting that he is not wanted by Nuno.
"It's a tough decision, but I have to make a decision that is best for the team.”