Saints Marching
Fansided

Southampton: Saints Marching’s 2018/19 Emerging Player of the Season

By Marc Walker

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 30: David Silva of Manchester City battles with James Ward-Prowse of Southampton and Yan Valery of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Manchester City at St Mary's Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 30: David Silva of Manchester City battles with James Ward-Prowse of Southampton and Yan Valery of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Manchester City at St Mary's Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 7
Next
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 27: James Ward- Prowse of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and AFC Bournemouth at St Mary’s Stadium on April 27, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 27: James Ward- Prowse of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and AFC Bournemouth at St Mary’s Stadium on April 27, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /

Joe McIndoe – James Ward-Prowse

This is a hotly contested category with plenty of candidates vying for victory. Nathan Redmond was the heart of the Saints attack, Jan Bednarek proved to be the best defender at the club, and Yan Valery grew into his role as a starting right back.

All of these contenders would be worthy winners, but my pick for most improved player has to be James Ward-Prowse.

Ward-Prowse has been a long-time servant of the club and has often found himself on the periphery of the first team. The Academy product has always been a solid performer, but before this season had failed to nail down a permanent place in the lineup. Until recently James Ward-Prowse could never really be relied upon to change the course of a game.

Following frank discussions with the new gaffer, the midfielder appears finally to have seized his moment.

Prowsey has shown good positional awareness, more aggression when attempting to win the ball, and a Dead eye from set pieces. JWP pulled off vital goals against Leicester, Crystal Palace, and Tottenham.

The midfielder’s renaissance isn’t so much a result of a radical change in playing style, but rather a shifting up the gears. A fresh proactive approach is proving to be a winning formula for the 24-year-old.