Southampton: James Ward-Prowse deserves rewarding for his efforts

The English midfielder has been impressive this campaign and even more so recently, and the club need to reward his performances and loyalty.

Ward-Prowse remains somewhat of a Marmite player among the fanbase – a good portion are massive fans of the dead-ball wizard whilst a solid amount still believe he lacks a natural position and doesn’t take enough games by the scruff of the neck.

But each Southampton fan can agree that since the turn of the year the 23-year-old has been in stupendous form, scoring four goals in five games and also setting up a handful too.

The Saints are unbeaten in six and he’s been at the forefront of this upturn in form, with Pellegrino’s men now out of the relegation zone albeit far from fully safe.

Southampton’s attacking-midfielders have arguably been the side’s most inconsistent players as a whole – Dusan Tadic remains a shadow of the player he was under Ronald Koeman, Sofiane Boufal remains unable to hit steady form, and Nathan Redmond is still yet to the back of the net his campaign.

WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 03: James Ward-Prowse of Southampton celebrates scoring his side’s third goal with team mates during the match between West Bromwich Albion and Southampton at The Hawthorns on February 3, 2018 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images) /

All of this added up means it make sense that the Saints were looking to spend a record £30 million on Spartak’s Quincy Promes in the January transfer window.

However among all the inconsistency, JWP has enjoyed much more unvarying form, albeit not delivering as many goals or assists in comparison to good performances.

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Ward-Prowse’s last contract was signed in 2016, with it being valid until 2022. Whilst this is still four and a half year’s away, extending it by another year with a pay rise thrown in would be a great reward for his efforts.

The Englishman has been loyal to the Saints ever since making his mark on the senior team five years ago, despite being rotated through various positions and being in and out of the first team.

But if an improved contract isn’t on the cards, becoming the side’s Team Captain over the summer would be a a just reward.

Maya Yoshida is currently vice-captain after Virgil van Dijk was stripped of it following his actions over the off-season. However, the Japanese international has found himself in and out of the first team, much like Club Captain Steven Davis.

Therefore, it makes sense for JWP to take the mantle himself, with his current form meaning it would be very unjust for him to be dropped from the first-team picture.

Assuming he can keep up the same form as he’s started this year with, the Southampton supporters would surely be unanimously in agreement that the 23-year-old would be more than deserving of a just reward in the summer.