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Burnley 1-1 Southampton: Premier League – Three Key Players

By Erik Franzo

BURNLEY, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 02: Danny Ings of Southampton is challenged by Ben Mee of Burnley during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Southampton FC at Turf Moor on February 2, 2019 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 02: Danny Ings of Southampton is challenged by Ben Mee of Burnley during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Southampton FC at Turf Moor on February 2, 2019 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
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BURNLEY, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 02: Charlie Taylor of Burnley battles for possession with James Ward-Prowse of Southampton during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Southampton FC at Turf Moor on February 2, 2019 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
BURNLEY, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 02: Charlie Taylor of Burnley battles for possession with James Ward-Prowse of Southampton during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Southampton FC at Turf Moor on February 2, 2019 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /

James Ward-Prowse

Ward-Prowse didn’t make it four goals in four games, but he showed his value in this performance.  Ralph Hasenhuttl deployed him as a right wing-back after finding some success, and a goal in that position midweek, and he did not disappoint.

The Saints’ manager targeted Ward-Prowse’s flexibility in his press conference and continues to praise the academy product’s aggression.  Most impressively, he worked well in defence of Burnley teenager Dwight McNeil, who looks like a player with real promise.

It appears Ward-Prowse has gained the trust of his manager, and with his appearance at wing-back he has forced Hasenhuttl to find a place for him in the side.  With Mario Lemina out for an extended period following an abdominal operation, and Hojbjerg possibly feeling the effects of a head injury, it has become even more evident that Ward-Prowse will need to be a consistent presence if Southampton are to fight off relegation.