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Southampton: Season Review for Midfielder James Ward-Prowse

By Ryan Borowski

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 29: James Ward-Prowse of Southampton during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Southampton FC at London Stadium on February 29, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 29: James Ward-Prowse of Southampton during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Southampton FC at London Stadium on February 29, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images) /
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The Englishman started the season at Southampton a little slow but once he moved to a midfield pair with Hojbjerg that all changed.

James Ward-Prowse has always been a fan favorite with the Southampton faithful and ever since the introduction of Hasenhuttl to the team he has taken his game to another level. His work rate increased, he played more physically, and just seemed to be enjoying the game more.

This season so far, has been highlighted by 4 goals and 3 assists offensively but his best stat may be that he is averaging 2.5 tackles per match. That is over 1 tackle per match more than his previous career high of 1.4 (which was last season).

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 04: Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager of Southampton celebrates with James Ward-Prowse of Southampton following the FA Cup Third Round match between Southampton FC and Huddersfield Town at St. Mary’s Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 04: Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager of Southampton celebrates with James Ward-Prowse of Southampton following the FA Cup Third Round match between Southampton FC and Huddersfield Town at St. Mary’s Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /

If you could show the impact Ralph Hassenhuttl has had I would direct them to that one statistic. As I mentioned earlier, the season for the midfielder really started to turn a corner when he started playing alongside Hojbjerg in the middle of the pitch instead of on the Right-side.

Ward-Prowse, had a stretch this season where he scored 3 goals in 4 matches and really looked to be at the top of his game during that time. He is one of the integral parts of the squad both from a playing standpoint and a leadership standpoint.

He is our vice-captain and plays for the badge because he loves the team he grew up with. Hopefully this season resumes in the near future and we get to see one of his brilliant free kicks again.

Next. Quiz: Southampton’s squad in famous 3-1 win vs Man United 24 years ago. dark

All stats according to WhoScored.com