James Ward Prowse

[The Kraken]

Again, agree with all of that - and it's a fair point, but if we're going to lose anyway, why risk him and damage his confidence for Wigan, which will be an easier ride (though not "easy")?

I agree; I just don't think NA will take that approach. As a player you can learn as much from a heavy defeat as you can a victory; playing for a team like Saints we're going to get battered at some point by one of the top sides, and there's only so much protection you can give young players. I think its a redundant argument anyway as Cork will very likely get the nod with JWP on the bench.

[RedAndWhite91]

Was very impressed, he was a class act. The future is very bright for him and the club.

[Saint86]

A starter for city imo

 

I'm not sure of that. On pre season basis yes, but you have to factor in Cork and Davis, I can't believe we signed the latter to sit behind a 17 year old.

 

However I agree with you and the majority of this board that we have another real gem here. I have been impressed by him every time I have seen him play and I do think he will be fighting for a starting spot or be on the bench in most games.

[Saint86]

Can someone throw together a youtube montage so i can see how good he really is

 

Y don't you just follow the team.

[Chez]

I'll tell you what, how good would it be for us to start with the likes of maybe Prowse (assuming Adkins hasn't had his hand forced), Shaw or Reeves. They all look fantastic talents. Whether they are quite ready I am not sure, but the fact that Adkins thought they were good enough right now to mix with the best could only suggest that we have some potential England talents on our books.

 

As an aside I thought Morgan looked outstanding again and he'll do well this season. The step up won't catch him out.

[Monk]

Naivety and Saints over-enthusiasm at its very best.

 

Educated and able to judge potential and technical ability. Not relying on FM.

[The9]

I'll tell you what, how good would it be for us to start with the likes of maybe Prowse (assuming Adkins hasn't had his hand forced), Shaw or Reeves. They all look fantastic talents. Whether they are quite ready I am not sure, but the fact that Adkins thought they were good enough right now to mix with the best could only suggest that we have some potential England talents on our books.

 

As an aside I thought Morgan looked outstanding again and he'll do well this season. The step up won't catch him out.

 

Reeves has looked completely out of his depth every time I've seen him play a competitive match for Saints, lucky for him that he's only 21, as he wouldn't have made the 25 this season.

 

I haven't seen enough of the others to judge accurately. Literally have only seen 10 minutes of Shaw, and Ward-Prowse has done well, but there's a difference between friendlies and playing against the worst team in the Championship last season, and regular Prem matches. I'm optimistic for those two, but let's not go nuts.

[JoeShmoe]

My fear is Shaw and JWP start or feature in 4 or 5 games early this season and you'll have Arsenal, Utd etc coming in with £5m bids to stuff him in the reserves like they did with AoC.

 

And once these lads heads get turned it only ends one way...

 

Arsenal are sniffing around Shaw already..

[The Kraken]

Educated and able to judge potential and technical ability. Not relying on FM.

Well of course that's entirely true. Judging a lad's potential entirely from one previous first team outing and a pre-season game or two is naturally the correct approach. I take it back. I almost wish I played FM or its ilk so that I actually had a counter argument to make in the face of such logic.

[Charlie Wayman]

I really like Lallana with the freedom in a 5 man midfield. Jwp was simply outstanding. IMO ahead of jack cork on that performance, full of energy and more offensive thinking also. He will play a big part this year. Future star no doubt

 

Yet it's Luke Shaw that everyone wants to buy. Crikey just imagine if we have two great stars in the making and they stay here for at least five years. Could we be the new Man U since evidently you can win things with kids. Now we need to stuff ManC on Day 1. Come on you R's ( and er um White's!)

[Charlie Wayman]

I'm not sure of that. On pre season basis yes, but you have to factor in Cork and Davis, I can't believe we signed the latter to sit behind a 17 year old.

 

However I agree with you and the majority of this board that we have another real gem here. I have been impressed by him every time I have seen him play and I do think he will be fighting for a starting spot or be on the bench in most games.

 

Tut tut! Slipped your mind again? We need two in each position - it is a SQUAD game, repeat S-Q-U-A-D SQUAD!!!

[The Kraken]

Yet it's Luke Shaw that everyone wants to buy. Crikey just imagine if we have two great stars in the making and they stay here for at least five years. Could we be the new Man U since evidently you can win things with kids. Now we need to stuff ManC on Day 1. Come on you R's ( and er um White's!)

Divided loyalties for you now we're back in the same division as Arsenal, I'd have thought?

[Monk]

No, working with and analysing academy players and players aged 16-20 who represent their country is another approach. Having a run out for your first team doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a weak link just because he isn’t a ‘complete product’. Just as Butland (granted he had a year at Cheltenham) yet he’s rated more than Carson and Green. Fully appreciate the 99% logic in what you’re saying. However, technically, I rate JWP more than Tom Cleverly.

 

Try to be a little more open minded.

[Thedelldays]

Tom Cleverley had played for England senior team has he not. And GB?

 

JWP played against Coventry in the fa cup

[Monk]

Tom Cleverley had played for England senior team has he not. And GB?

 

JWP played against Coventry in the fa cup

 

So, Pele never played in Europe, Maradona did. I'm sure some people struggle to seperate them.

 

Same old ball bags on here, too scared to have their apple cart upset.

 

Michael Ricketts played for England as well.

[Turkish]

Yes I can only imagine that someone coming on to a thread and just posting a load of tripe must be really irritating for the other posters on the thread and the forum membership in total. I'm sure the irony of that won't be lost by Walt and the gang.

 

From now on I will only post about you do I can be as interesting as you are.

[Bearsy]

Tom Cleverley had played for England senior team has he not. And GB?

 

JWP played against Coventry in the fa cup

 

Ain't Cleverley like in his 20s or something? I don't know if I'm following this argument right but dat seems important, I mean if we're saying why Cleverly plays for Englands and JWPs don't.

[Thedelldays]

So, Pele never played in Europe, Maradona did. I'm sure some people struggle to seperate them.

 

Same old ball bags on here, too scared to have their apple cart upset.

 

Michael Ricketts played for England as well.

 

Err we are on a out two young players right now. Both are available for selection for the same international team at the same time

 

Let's see if JWP can be more than a sub for saints yet

[Chez]

Reeves has looked completely out of his depth every time I've seen him play a competitive match for Saints, lucky for him that he's only 21, as he wouldn't have made the 25 this season.

 

I saw Reeves in the midweek cup game, Preston I think, at SMS and I thought he was absolutely outstanding. He ran the game whilst on the pitch, offering a great touch, vision, confidence on the ball, and a lovely range of passing. That's the only time I've seen him I think, a few minutes here and there apart, but I was very impressed and surprised he hadn't been raved about more on here. Maybe I saw the best of him. Hope not as he looked very much how Prowse looked on Saturday.

 

You're right about the friendlies, but better to look good than bad in them.

[Chez]

My fear is Shaw and JWP start or feature in 4 or 5 games early this season and you'll have Arsenal, Utd etc coming in with £5m bids to stuff him in the reserves like they did with AoC.

 

And once these lads heads get turned it only ends one way...

 

Arsenal are sniffing around Shaw already..

 

If Arsenal are sniffing around already then there is not much point in trying to hide them. if they are good enough play them. Not playing them if they are the best in the position at the time is madness. By the way if a 17 year old English player shines in the prem, then £5m ain't going to be enough to prize them away.

[The Kraken]

So, Pele never played in Europe, Maradona did. I'm sure some people struggle to seperate them.

 

Same old ball bags on here, too scared to have their apple cart upset.

 

Michael Ricketts played for England as well.

Can you let us know the extent of games you've seen that you're basing your appraisal of JWP on?

[Chez]

So, Pele never played in Europe, Maradona did. I'm sure some people struggle to seperate them.

 

Same old ball bags on here, too scared to have their apple cart upset.

 

Michael Ricketts played for England as well.

I very much liked you Cleverly post. Intriguing comparison and one that I had to think twice about.

 

out of interest how highly do you rate Cleverly? I saw him in the England U21 game at SMS and he was the best player on the park. Not seen much else of him if I'm honest. Wanted to know how high a bar you are actually setting.

 

Not saying I agree with you, but bigging up our own players is not a crime. Many have been heckled for doing the same with the likes of Morgan, Bale and Jones.

[Greenridge]

From now on I will only post about you do I can be as interesting as you are.

 

I'm sure if you re-read that you'll agree it doesn't make any sense.

 

Still, we're digressing from what is an interesting thread.

[Turkish]

I'm sure if you re-read that you'll agree it doesn't make any sense.

 

Still, we're digressing from what is an interesting thread.

 

How can this be? An interesting thread, which was started by me, someone who you say only posts tripe and your omly contributions to have been about me. I agree let's get back to the thread, it's good and not let Barry George ruin it. (see I've even given you a silly nickname so i can be as funny as you, do you like that Barry?)

[buctootim]

How can this be? An interesting thread, which was started by me, someone who you say only posts tripe and your omly contributions to have been about me. I agree let's get back to the thread, it's good and not let Barry George ruin it. (see I've even given you a silly nickname so i can be as funny as you, do you like that Barry?)

 

Give it a rest chubby. Its not all about you.

[Turkish]

Give it a rest chubby. Its not all about you.

 

Let it go Timmy, let it go. So bitter, its not healthy you know.

[ericb]

Are there really people on here arguing with someone who's living it is to actually judge young footballers? Seriously lads it's time for you to face facts, Monk knows more than us, that's why he's doing his job. It's really not a hard thing to fathom is it, you sit in the stands and he works for a club. My money is on him being more right than you.

 

Mind you with the fu.cking crap that's spouted by some on here about players i often wonder if some have played more football than just in the playground since their knowledge is so dire (and no i don't count fm as having football knowledge)

[Thedelldays]

Are there really people on here arguing with someone who's living it is to actually judge young footballers? Seriously lads it's time for you to face facts, Monk knows more than us, that's why he's doing his job. It's really not a hard thing to fathom is it, you sit in the stands and he works for a club. My money is on him being more right than you.

 

Mind you with the fu.cking crap that's spouted by some on here about players i often wonder if some have played more football than just in the playground since their knowledge is so dire (and no i don't count fm as having football knowledge)

 

Many of football man has been wrong.

Souness played Ali dia ffs

[Turkish]

My fear is Shaw and JWP start or feature in 4 or 5 games early this season and you'll have Arsenal, Utd etc coming in with £5m bids to stuff him in the reserves like they did with AoC.

 

And once these lads heads get turned it only ends one way...

 

Arsenal are sniffing around Shaw already..

 

It'll cost a lot more than 5m. Plus the other thing is we can offer premier league football now and theyll get it much quicker here. I'm still sure they'll both move eventually, probably to champions league clubs but we should be able to keep them for longer until they are established premier league players. Bit like Villa did with Young, Milner, Barry and Downing. Key it to them reinvest in quality and have the next batch of players coming through, which hopefully cat A status will mean we have a conveyor belt of young talent.

[Turkish]

Are there really people on here arguing with someone who's living it is to actually judge young footballers? Seriously lads it's time for you to face facts, Monk knows more than us, that's why he's doing his job. It's really not a hard thing to fathom is it, you sit in the stands and he works for a club. My money is on him being more right than you.

 

Mind you with the fu.cking crap that's spouted by some on here about players i often wonder if some have played more football than just in the playground since their knowledge is so dire (and no i don't count fm as having football knowledge)

 

Monk obviously knows what he's on about, which makes him in the minority on here, he is one person I listen to on here about football matters. Bit premature to say JWP is better than Cleverly though who's played for Man U and been called up for England, the lad does look class though, in the one friendly I've seen him play in. IMO of course.

[VectisSaint]

So, Pele never played in Europe, Maradona did. I'm sure some people struggle to seperate them.

I really am struggling to understand this comment, how could anyone possibly struggle to separate Pele and Maradona? You would have to be a complete dumbass to mix the two up, even avoiding the very obvious difference that you might notice if you see a picture of them. Maradona is a dumpy, drug-taking, ****wit, cheating bastard, whereas Pele is the one with erectile disfunction apparently, but who nevertheless remains the greatest footballer ever seen in the 20th century (including Le Tiss) and one of the nicest blokes to ever grace a football field.

[Greenridge]

How can this be? An interesting thread, which was started by me, someone who you say only posts tripe and your omly contributions to have been about me. I agree let's get back to the thread, it's good and not let Barry George ruin it. (see I've even given you a silly nickname so i can be as funny as you, do you like that Barry?)

 

I can't recall everything about Barry but if I remember correctly he was a real person wrongly accused of a crime and found not guilty of any charges after appeal and re-trial? A little different from a fictional character like the tough guy played by Jason Statham or the semi-fictional character Walter. You need to try a little harder for a meaningful nickname but a good effort. Maybe one of the Mitty crew can assist?

 

Anyway, again, we are detracting from the thread.

[Turkish]

I can't recall everything about Barry but if I remember correctly he was a real person wrongly accused of a crime and found not guilty of any charges after appeal and re-trial? A little different from a fictional character like the tough guy played by Jason Statham or the semi-fictional character Walter. You need to try a little harder for a meaningful nickname but a good stab. Maybe one of the Mitty crew can assist?

 

Anyway, again, we are detracting from the thread.

 

Stalkers do strange things Barry.

 

Anyway Barry, you're boring me. Please stay on topic, you've already done your best to derail it.

[The Kraken]

Seriously, you need to stop biting.

[SFC Forever]

I hear Barry's darts are getting used to missing the point as well.

[Johnny Shearer]

JWP looks like a good player with lots of potential from what little I have seen.

Central midfield looks to be shaping up nicely with Cork, Davis, Morgan, JWP and er Hammond!

 

I think Prowse will be getting some time this year and it'll be interesting to see how he develops.

[Turkish]

JWP looks like a good player with lots of potential from what little I have seen.

Central midfield looks to be shaping up nicely with Cork, Davis, Morgan, JWP and er Hammond!

 

I think Prowse will be getting some time this year and it'll be interesting to see how he develops.

 

Looks like Lallana might be getting earmarked to play more centrally as well.

[The9]

I saw Reeves in the midweek cup game, Preston I think, at SMS and I thought he was absolutely outstanding. He ran the game whilst on the pitch, offering a great touch, vision, confidence on the ball, and a lovely range of passing. That's the only time I've seen him I think, a few minutes here and there apart, but I was very impressed and surprised he hadn't been raved about more on here. Maybe I saw the best of him. Hope not as he looked very much how Prowse looked on Saturday.

 

You're right about the friendlies, but better to look good than bad in them.

 

Well, I didn't see him in that one, but I saw his lovely range of sliced-through-the-ball-with-the-laces-every-single-time passing at Brighton away, and he was bloody awful in that one. Admittedly we were down to 10 men and he was up front with Forte, but still... I suspect Dag & Red fans know more about him than we do, he's only started a few minor cup matches for us.

 

Maybe his level's League One, I wouldn't be surprised.

[Johnny Shearer]

Looks like Lallana might be getting earmarked to play more centrally as well.

 

Hmm was this the plan on saturday against Ajax or was he playing behind Lambert on one of the sides? I think see what Adkins was trying to achieve but a lot more needs to be put into it if its to succeed.

 

Certainly encouraging that he's given it thought as I don't think we'd enjoy a lot of success with the 4-4-2 that Saints were playing last season.

 

However the more inter-interchangeable players the better.

[Saint Garrett]

Hmm was this the plan on saturday against Ajax or was he playing behind Lambert on one of the sides? I think see what Adkins was trying to achieve but a lot more needs to be put into it if its to succeed.

 

Certainly encouraging that he's given it thought as I don't think we'd enjoy a lot of success with the 4-4-2 that Saints were playing last season.

 

However the more inter-interchangeable players the better.

 

Well I'd say we started like this....

 

-----------Davis

Clyne - Fonte- Jos - Fox

-------Schneiderlin--------

-------Ward-Prowse------

Guly----Lallana---Rodriguez

---------Lambert----------

 

Schneiderlin was sitting just in front of the back four with JWP with him in the centre but given a bit more room to go chasing/closing down, and also giving Morgan that bit of space to control the game. Then Lallana in front of that in a pretty much free role, with Rodriguez and Guly on either side playing relatively narrow, and then Lambert on his own up front. Will be the way to play to close games out or when we play not to lose but I think we need to go 2 up top some games when we need to take games to the other team, or you run the risk of starting the game being over loaded. Think JWP did a fantastic job in the middle on Saturday though.

[Monk]

I really am struggling to understand this comment, how could anyone possibly struggle to separate Pele and Maradona? You would have to be a complete dumbass to mix the two up, even avoiding the very obvious difference that you might notice if you see a picture of them. Maradona is a dumpy, drug-taking, ****wit, cheating bastard, whereas Pele is the one with erectile disfunction apparently, but who nevertheless remains the greatest footballer ever seen in the 20th century (including Le Tiss) and one of the nicest blokes to ever grace a football field.

 

Wow.

[jam]

I hear Barry's darts are getting used to missing the point as well.

 

 

Bobby George...

 

 

[david in sweden]

now that Jack Cork has picked up a knock...JWP might find himself closer to a starting place...?

[Bearsy]

Got an England U19 call up I see to play Germany 6th September.

 

http://www.thefa.com/England/mens-u19s/News/2012/germany-squad-announced-220812

[Dig Dig]

If he was a player for the one of the "big five", he'd probably be a full blown England international by now!

[mulletsaint]

Reeves has looked completely out of his depth every time I've seen him play a competitive match for Saints, lucky for him that he's only 21, as he wouldn't have made the 25 this season.

 

I haven't seen enough of the others to judge accurately. Literally have only seen 10 minutes of Shaw, and Ward-Prowse has done well, but there's a difference between friendlies and playing against the worst team in the Championship last season, and regular Prem matches. I'm optimistic for those two, but let's not go nuts.

 

Thought Reeves played very well against Palace in the cup, pity he was playing off Forte that evening. In fact I seem to remember he was much better than JWP that evening.

[david in sweden]

Is there anyone else who was impressed by this lad's Prem. debut game ? - I was, even if there was only 50-odd mins. of it.

 

Obviously, Rickie's subbing made the difference in that game, but there were enough signs to show he has a real future... if he shows the one over-riding factor in his game - consistency.

[mulletsaint]

Is there anyone else who was impressed by this lad's Prem. debut game ? - I was, even if there was only 50-odd mins. of it.

 

Obviously, Rickie's subbing made the difference in that game, but there were enough signs to show he has a real future... if he shows the one over-riding factor in his game - consistency.

 

I was very impressed as well. Having said that let's not go overboard, it wasn't a MOM performance or world class, but on the whole showed great composure and positional sense, seems to have a good engine too. I actually thought at the time that he had a better game that Morgan. Having watched some of the match again and the MOTD2 highlights I still believe this. I know others thought Morgan had a good game, in fact I think Chez says so on this thread, but I think that considering he is our most defensive midfielder he made some pretty basic errors. If you still have access to the highlights watch the build up to the shot where Silva hits the bar. He's the closest player to Silva from the moment City put together a nice bit of one touch football on our left flank. As they attack down the left Silva busts a gut to get in the box. Morgan tracks him at a leisurely jog and even slows down as Silva does so on the edge of the box. This would have been a moment that he should have realised 'I should be marking him'. Silva then moves again, Morgan speeds up but still makes no attempt to get goal side or mark Silva who's got between the defenders and he ends up with a free shot at goal. That's the sort of very sloppy play that needs sorting ASAP.

[saint-crinny]

I was very impressed as well. Having said that let's not go overboard, it wasn't a MOM performance or world class, but on the whole showed great composure and positional sense, seems to have a good engine too. I actually thought at the time that he had a better game that Morgan. Having watched some of the match again and the MOTD2 highlights I still believe this. I know others thought Morgan had a good game, in fact I think Chez says so on this thread, but I think that considering he is our most defensive midfielder he made some pretty basic errors. If you still have access to the highlights watch the build up to the shot where Silva hits the bar. He's the closest player to Silva from the moment City put together a nice bit of one touch football on our left flank. As they attack down the left Silva busts a gut to get in the box. Morgan tracks him at a leisurely jog and even slows down as Silva does so on the edge of the box. This would have been a moment that he should have realised 'I should be marking him'. Silva then moves again, Morgan speeds up but still makes no attempt to get goal side or mark Silva who's got between the defenders and he ends up with a free shot at goal. That's the sort of very sloppy play that needs sorting ASAP.

 

to be fair to Morgan, he has never played against that sort of quality before and he certainly wont be the only defensive midfielder to lose Silva this season. No doubt Morgan will need to up his game this season, but for me, he is one of our moat naturally talented players and i really think he will make the jump.

[The Kraken]

I was very impressed as well. Having said that let's not go overboard, it wasn't a MOM performance or world class, but on the whole showed great composure and positional sense, seems to have a good engine too. I actually thought at the time that he had a better game that Morgan. Having watched some of the match again and the MOTD2 highlights I still believe this. I know others thought Morgan had a good game, in fact I think Chez says so on this thread, but I think that considering he is our most defensive midfielder he made some pretty basic errors. If you still have access to the highlights watch the build up to the shot where Silva hits the bar. He's the closest player to Silva from the moment City put together a nice bit of one touch football on our left flank. As they attack down the left Silva busts a gut to get in the box. Morgan tracks him at a leisurely jog and even slows down as Silva does so on the edge of the box. This would have been a moment that he should have realised 'I should be marking him'. Silva then moves again, Morgan speeds up but still makes no attempt to get goal side or mark Silva who's got between the defenders and he ends up with a free shot at goal. That's the sort of very sloppy play that needs sorting ASAP.

 

I agree and said this at the time, I don't think Morgan had too good a game at all. He was easily brushed off the ball when in posession at least 2 or 3 times, and its been a consistent part of his game for too long now that he's often too casual and makes stupid needless mistakes that put us in trouble. I have real concerns about him at Premier League level and think he has got a lot to prove. 95% of the time he's good, its the 5% of his game that he won't get away with at a higher level.