[Football] James Ward-Prowse

[Skaville]

I thought was the best player on the pitch last night and also in the game at The Amex. I’m amazed Gareth (always pick my old U21 players) Southgate hasn’t given him more senior opportunities. He only has one cap.

I’m also surprised that a 23 year old English player of his callibre is not on more of the big clubs radars

 

[Stumpy Tim]

I tend to agree, especially given the England team doesn't have a set-piece taker... he's one of the best (English) players out there for that

 

[Petee]

I thought was the best player on the pitch last night and also in the game at The Amex. I’m amazed Gareth (always pick my old U21 players) Southgate hasn’t given him more senior opportunities. He only has one cap.

I’m also surprised that a 23 year old English player of his callibre is not on more of the big clubs radars

I tend to agree, especially given the England team doesn't have a set-piece taker... he's one of the best (English) players out there for that

We have Harry Kane for corners and Ward-Prowse is nowhere near the standard of Jake Livermore

 

[Ninja Elephant]

Ward-Prowse is the next Southampton player to go and join Liverpool. The physio gave him his debut when they were promoted to the Premier League, he's played a good number of games and if they do go down, he'll have his pick of just about the whole league. Class player who is getting better every year.

 

[Not Andy Naylor]

I'm sorry, I completely disagree. I've seen him a lot and I've come to the conclusion that he is a very poor man's David Beckham, an almost one-trick pony who can take free kicks and corners but not much else. Not very fast, can't tackle or head the ball and can't beat a man. Like some on this thread, I was somewhat taken in by the number of assists he gets, but almost none are from free play, as was pointed out to me by a friend who is a Saints season ticket holder. He told me a while back that he can't understand why Ward-Prowse gets so many games, and once he'd told me that I began to notice how little he actually does in most matches.

 

[One Teddy Maybank]

Thought he was okay last night, did seem some grumbling from the home fans though when he was on the ball and didn’t release it.


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[Betfair Bozo]

I'm sorry, I completely disagree. I've seen him a lot and I've come to the conclusion that he is a very poor man's David Beckham, an almost one-trick pony who can take free kicks and corners but not much else. Not very fast, can't tackle or head the ball and can't beat a man. Like some on this thread, I was somewhat taken in by the number of assists he gets, but almost none are from free play, as was pointed out to me by a friend who is a Saints season ticket holder. He told me a while back that he can't understand why Ward-Prowse gets so many games, and once he'd told me that I began to notice how little he actually does in most matches.

Agreed fwiw. Think perhaps opinions are skewed by the fact that he has taken two free kicks against us that have resulted in goals this season. He doesn't contribute much in open play and rather than have his pick of the whole league I would be surprised if his next move is a step up from Saints.

 

[Ninja Elephant]

I'm sorry, I completely disagree. I've seen him a lot and I've come to the conclusion that he is a very poor man's David Beckham, an almost one-trick pony who can take free kicks and corners but not much else. Not very fast, can't tackle or head the ball and can't beat a man. Like some on this thread, I was somewhat taken in by the number of assists he gets, but almost none are from free play, as was pointed out to me by a friend who is a Saints season ticket holder. He told me a while back that he can't understand why Ward-Prowse gets so many games, and once he'd told me that I began to notice how little he actually does in most matches.

Considering your credentials, I'm happy to assume I could be wrong about him - but I really think he's a good player. I do like a technical player, and I think if he had more viable options for forward passes he'd be even more dangerous.

Out of interest, do you rate Jordan Henderson? He seems to divide opinion wildly, and I'm curious what your opinion on him is.

 

[djentist]

He good yes

 

[Sarisbury Seagull]

I'm sorry, I completely disagree. I've seen him a lot and I've come to the conclusion that he is a very poor man's David Beckham, an almost one-trick pony who can take free kicks and corners but not much else. Not very fast, can't tackle or head the ball and can't beat a man. Like some on this thread, I was somewhat taken in by the number of assists he gets, but almost none are from free play, as was pointed out to me by a friend who is a Saints season ticket holder. He told me a while back that he can't understand why Ward-Prowse gets so many games, and once he'd told me that I began to notice how little he actually does in most matches.

Agreed, I think he's average like most of their squad. I think a lot of their fans and pundits etc think their players are a lot better than they are and I'm not at all surprised they're where they are in the table.

His set pieces are excellent though and I'm relieved he had an off night. His free kicks and corners were very poor last night, even the one which led to the goal. If he had that many free kicks and corners in a match again I would expect him to produce more goals than he did last night, especially against our set piece defending.

 

[Napper]

decent delivery and a danger every set piece.

also whoever was down the left (our right) first half was causing all sorts of issues.

 

[Bakero]

decent delivery and a danger every set piece.

also whoever was down the left (our right) first half was causing all sorts of issues.

Boufal?

 

[Betfair Bozo]

Boufal came on at HT so no. Incidentally, he is one Saints fans do seem to rate but apart from THAT goal he seems woefully short of end product to my untrained eye.

 

[spring hall convert]

He was good in that friendly Saints kids embarrassed us in 4 or 5 years ago.

 

[Napper]

Boufal?

I think it was the overlapping Bertrand

 

[Sheebo]

He was good in that friendly Saints kids embarrassed us in 4 or 5 years ago.

Memory says that wasn't kids, or certainly a good mixture of first teamers - I remember it as Pella played up front and I put him in my dreamteam based on how good he looked and sure enough he was quality! But yes, they totally dicked on us.

 

[pishhead]

Ward-Prowse is the type of player we will see lots of in the coming years. He's a classic product of the academy system, technically very sound but he is not athletic enough to reach the top top level.