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This year is crucial for James Ward-Prowse at Southampton

By Luke Dennis

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 05: James Ward-Prowse of Southampton celebrates scoring his sides third goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Crystal Palace at St Mary's Stadium on April 5, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 05: James Ward-Prowse of Southampton celebrates scoring his sides third goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Crystal Palace at St Mary's Stadium on April 5, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images) /
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At 22 years of age, James Ward-Prowse is entering one of the most important seasons of his career, and he must step up to the plate for his club.

The 2017/18 season is just two weeks away, and Southampton are yet to make any marquee signings. This would suggest that new boss Mauricio Pellegrino is relatively happy with the squad left for him by Claude Puel.

One of Puel’s most exciting performers throughout the last campaign was James Ward-Prowse, who made 30 league appearances under the Frenchman.

He managed to score four goals last season, doubling his tally from 2015/16. A steady improvement from a midfielder in a side that couldn’t create goal-scoring chances.

His performances earned him a first senior international call up, with new England boss Gareth Southgate introducing him to the main stage in March 2017.

Now, though, Ward-Prowse has to kick on, and with a World Cup year ahead of him, it is paramount he does so. With Virgil van Dijk’s future still uncertain, the captaincy at Southampton remains a mystery, but Ward-Prowse will see himself as an option for Pellegrino to assess.

Let’s not forget, the youngster captained England Under-21s through to the semi-final’s of this year’s European Championships in his last ever competition with them. The leadership qualities are there.

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It appears that Steven Davis will start the campaign as Saints skipper, but that’s not to say Ward-Prowse can’t push him for the honour if he’s made team captain.

The Englishman is known as one of the best set-piece takers in the league, constantly causing problems for defences with his tricky deliveries into the area.

But just four assists last time out is not a brilliant return for Ward-Prowse by any means, however he did only start 22 games, and he is most certainly a 90 minute player.

Starting week-in week-out may prove to be an issue again for the 22-year-old, due to the thriving midfield duo of Oriol Romeu and Steven Davis. Pierre-Emille Højbjerg will too be hoping for a more successful season on the south coast.

Next: Is Emre Mor Southampton's man?

The only way James Ward-Prowse will start consistently, is with his consistency. Puel’s lack of trust in the midfielder last season would have rocked him, but his performances throughout the Euro’s this summer will have kept Pellegrino on his toes.

He now has to prove to the boss that he is ready for weekly Premier League football at the highest level, and with his attitude on and off the field, he most certainly will. Last night’s goal in the 3-0 win over Saint-Étienne will boost Ward-Prowse’s confidence ahead of the new campaign, which is vital for him as a player.