Despite inspiring performances on the right, does the 22-year-old offer enough going forward for the Saints?
Last Season
Through the second half of the previous season, James Ward-Prowse (JWP) filled in on the right of midfield, helping to dictate play. But despite this, the team only scored a handful of goals in the Premier League – that being 41 in 38.
This mainly being a reflection of the team, and risk-free tactics of former manager Claude Puel. However, it does raise question of individuals in the team. JWP being one of them, who so far in his Southampton career has had a mix of praise and doubt from fans a like. So did the 22-year-old contribute enough to this?
Stats taken from WhoScored.com would suggest so. Having a goal involvement of 8 goals in 1885 minutes, four goals and 4 assists. Therefore just over 20% of goals. To add, making 1.4 key passes per game.
Comparison to teammates
To get a better understanding of these figures. Dusan Tadic, who has played in similar positions this season so far and last, would be best to compare against.
The Serbian had the same goal involvement of eight, with three goals and five assists, per WhoScored.com. The former Twente man also made around two key passes a game, 0.6 more per game than JWP.
However, Tadic played 2427 Premier League minutes, around 600 more than Ward-Prowse. This also including eight more starts in the process. Maybe suggesting the young English star could’ve bettered Tadic’s figures given the playing time.
Season So Far
Starting the campaign on the right against Swansea, and then behind Italian striker Manolo Gabbiadini in the second half. Ward-Prowse had a quiet game and no goal involvement. Being subbed off around the 70 minute mark. The game ending 0-0 respectively.
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Onto the second game, JWP replaced debutant Mario Lemina against West Ham in the 64th minute. Having around 25 minutes to his mark on the game. Playing right before moving to deep midfield after Saints captain Steven Davis was subbed off. Ward-Prowse saw more of the ball but instead helped in keeping possession for Southampton. The game eventually ending 3-2 to the team in red and white, despite no direct goal involvement.
It should be noted however that the Englishman completed more key passes so far in this campaign. Improving from 1.4 to 2 per game.
Conclusion
So, despite a slow start, there should be plenty of optimism around the academy graduate. JWP has proved consistent improvement over the past few seasons, still only 22, this season should see better figures posted for goal involvement. This going off everything stated above.
Easily an integral part of the squad., if not starting, he his a great player to have as an option on the bench, given his use in multiple positions, technical ability and set-pieces.
However, with the amount of options in midfield available to Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino, including new signing Mario Lemina, it will be harder for JWP to hold down a starting place. Competition is good, and hopefully James Ward-Prowse will thrive off of it.