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Southampton: 2017/18 half-season Review – James Ward-Prowse

By Edward Waugh

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 23: James Ward-Prowse of Southampton battles for possesion with Rajiv van La Parra of Huddersfield Town during the Premier League match between Southampton and Huddersfield Town at St Mary's Stadium on December 23, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 23: James Ward-Prowse of Southampton battles for possesion with Rajiv van La Parra of Huddersfield Town during the Premier League match between Southampton and Huddersfield Town at St Mary's Stadium on December 23, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /
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For Ward-Prowse, this year was considered a crucial one to make his mark in a Southampton shirt, due to a lack of marquee signings in the summer. Half-way through the season, the midfielder has one goal and assist in 19 appearances, and is therefore not living up to that expectation.

From the outside, it would be reasonable to agree with this statement, Ward-Prowse has been in and around the first team for the past three seasons, and has yet to make a real impact.

For me, the player has been redundant is some games this season, though this would be the case with almost all of our players, but that should be no excuse.

Understanding the reasons for this are hard to comprehend, however it would be fair to mention that the player has lacked consistency in playing time, starting 12 out of the 19 appearances mentioned. Plus the playing style has been somewhat off, being too cautious with the ball has only seen Ward-Prowse try to keep possession of the ball, instead of direct with it.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 23: Charlie Austin of Southampto celebrates after scoring his sides first goal with James Ward-Prowse of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Huddersfield Town at St Mary’s Stadium on December 23, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 23: Charlie Austin of Southampto celebrates after scoring his sides first goal with James Ward-Prowse of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Huddersfield Town at St Mary’s Stadium on December 23, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

Ward-Prowse, lacks in physicality and tackling ability to play defensive mid, he has not been the go to man to break up play. Likewise, he has lacked good finishing to play in an attacking mid role behind the striker, and creativity, only creating two big chances in the Premier League this season.

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When involved, I believe he’s been suited to playing out on the right, to which WhoScored.com would agree, achieving his highest rating in this position.

This is where his goal involvement has come from, playing in that position against Everton for the assist and Fulham for the winning goal. Therefore going forward this is where he should be utilised to try and get the best out of him, making advantage of his strengths – crossing.

Though, with the signature of possible target Theo Walcott, Ward-Prowse could find himself sitting on the bench more, with the former being able to play out on the right. With Southampton in the market for a wide-man, the midfielder will need to pull out all the stops to avoid being replaced.