Villa vs Southampton: Key Players in Saints Victory

Southampton's English midfielder James Ward-Prowse (R) scores their third goal directly from a free kick during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Southampton at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on November 1, 2020. (Photo by Michael Steele / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by MICHAEL STEELE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

2 of 4

Southampton’s English midfielder James Ward-Prowse celebrates after scoring /

James Ward-Prowse

The Southampton skipper enjoyed a memorable 26^th birthday, with two goals and an assist to his name. Although he picked up a yellow card for a full-blooded challenge, this did not inhibit his performance and he was the heartbeat of Southampton’s performance. He dovetailed well with Oriol Romeu and provided support both defensively, as well as to the attacking cause.

His cross for Vestergaard’s header was pinpoint, whilst Ward-Prowse’s two goals came from direct freekicks. Remarkably, James Ward-Prowse has now scored more direct freekicks than the legendary Matt Le Tissier and his remarkable precision and technique is testament to the hours of practice spent on the training ground.

Due to the unfortunate injury to Ryan Bertrand, Ward-Prowse had to finish the game at left back, another example of his versatility and commitment to the team. Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has previously challenged the England midfielder to add goals to his game and if he continues to play in this manner, it will be impossible for Gareth Southgate to ignore him at international level.

Home/Southampton FC News