James Ward-Prowse

[Lallana's Left Peg]

Where do we see his long-term future at Saints? I think he is a very solid player but fear his versatility may hinder him a little moving forward.

 

He was a central-midfielder in the Youth teams and his passing was his man quality - getting the ball forward to the attack minded players. Then under Adkins he would often play as one of the deeper two in the 4-2-3-1, or occasionally play as one of the middle three in the 4-3-3 - but either way, he was a central midfielder.

 

Under Pochettino we've seen him play further forward far more frequently. I must say I am not entirely convinced by him here. He is a steady player but not someone I personally feel thinks like an attacking player, but he does have some good qualities in terms of his awareness and ball retention. He has very little goal threat and doesn't really take players on. We've seen him support the striker in cameos and also play on the right. The problem is that I don't see him getting a look-in within the middle of the park with Schneiderlin and Wanyama both young, and Cork their back-up.

 

So when push comes to shove, where do we see Ward-Prowse establishing himself in the team? Is there more to come from him or is the sort of player we see now the sort of player he will end up being in 5 years time?

[S-Clarke]

He's a central midfield player. He can be deployed centrally, slightly to the right or slightly to the left. That's his position and I think he does his job well.

 

People still have 4-4-2 stuck in their minds, and if he's on the left or right of midfield that must mean he's playing on the wing etc. It doesn't, none of our midfielders play on the wing. We're a very narrow team and he's one of our central midfield options, whether he's slightly left or right of Morgan for e.g and I think he's a terrific option at that. He has a huge future and hopefully at this club.

[Sour Mash]

I think I've seen every game he's played for us and I can't see what he offers us apart from a top attitude and lots of hard running. Centre mid is a tough position for a young player to prove himself, but if you look at someone like Ross Barkley, JWP is a fair way off.

[Born In The 80s]

He has the best delivery the club has seen since Matt Le Tissier.

[doc oli]

The lad is 18. 18 and he shows a maturity on the ball that belies his age. He keeps the ball well and uses it sensibly. I think he'll develop in to a (latter day) Scholes-like creative midfielder.

[anothersaintinsouthsea]

The fact that MP brought him on to do a job on the left side shows that he really rates and trusts him. As the poster above points out, he is still just 18.

[Joesaint]

I have been really really impressed with him, and his reading of the game. He will be an England player

[Trumush]

Thought the introduction of JWP saved the game for us today.

 

Great prospect - if he played for Man Utd he would be the second coming !!!!

[KelvinsRightGlove]

I have been really really impressed with him, and his reading of the game. He will be an England player

 

Can you imagine an england midfield with 3 Central Midfielders that can actually keep the ball, and play some decent passes between them.

 

I think in Barkley, Wilshire and JWP there is potential for a very good CM. There's some other good CM's out there too. One example off the top of my head is Will Hughes at Derby, looks like he could have a very big future if his potential is fulfilled (wouldn't mind us making a cheeky bid for him!), I'm sure there are plenty more that escape me right now.

 

I think JWP is a wonderfully neat player, that keeps the ball well and often uses it wisely. I'm excited to see how he progresses, I see every possibility for him to go on to have a good career, hopefully with Saints.

[positivepete]

Centre midfield for me, has a touch of Alan Ball the way he knows where he is going to pass the ball before he receives it. Very aware of what is around him. It is good that he playing different roles, that will only make him a better player.

[View From The Top]

I have been really really impressed with him, and his reading of the game. He will be an England player

 

This.

[Gemmel]

I think I've seen every game he's played for us and I can't see what he offers us apart from a top attitude and lots of hard running. Centre mid is a tough position for a young player to prove himself, but if you look at someone like Ross Barkley, JWP is a fair way off.

 

Try another sport

[The9]

I think I've seen every game he's played for us and I can't see what he offers us apart from a top attitude and lots of hard running. Centre mid is a tough position for a young player to prove himself, but if you look at someone like Ross Barkley, JWP is a fair way off.

 

Different positions, I wouldn't expect JWP to be hovering around the front line hitting shots, he's a tidy, hard-working midfield passer who doesn't get forward that much - and made a massive difference when he came on today as Swansea suddenly didn't have free rein down our left any more.

[Saint_clark]

Stand by my Frank Lampard comparison, has all the qualities of a goalscoring midfielder IMO. Important to remember that he is only 18.

[The9]

Stand by my Frank Lampard comparison, has all the qualities of a goalscoring midfielder IMO. Important to remember that he is only 18.

 

I'm not sure he's an attacking midfielder, but one of the benefits of him being so young is that he could be anything - even in the summer he's added an awesome dead ball delivery to his repertoire, so no reason he doesn't add late runs and finishing to his skillset, but I don't think he's got that at the moment.

[Badger]

Centre midfield for me, has a touch of Alan Ball the way he knows where he is going to pass the ball before he receives it. Very aware of what is around him. It is good that he playing different roles, that will only make him a better player.

 

Think the Bally comparison is perhaps a step too far, although he is only 18 and shows outstanding maturity for his age. I doubt he will reach the scale of Bally, but still a good player in the making, for club and country,

 

I do realise you said "touch of AB about him" btw.

 

Stand by my Frank Lampard comparison, has all the qualities of a goalscoring midfielder IMO. Important to remember that he is only 18.

 

More of a Scholes in my book, but maybe that is based more on build and colouring than form.

[Badger]

Can you imagine an england midfield with 3 Central Midfielders that can actually keep the ball, and play some decent passes between them.

 

I think in Barkley, Wilshire and JWP there is potential for a very good CM. There's some other good CM's out there too. One example off the top of my head is Will Hughes at Derby, looks like he could have a very big future if his potential is fulfilled (wouldn't mind us making a cheeky bid for him!), I'm sure there are plenty more that escape me right now.

 

.

 

Don't be silly, Woy & Co will be too busy trying to attract Albanian-Croatian Belgians, kids from Burundi, and other corners of the globe on some ridiculous residency "qualification" , to notice home grown talent.

[Saint_clark]

I'm not sure he's an attacking midfielder, but one of the benefits of him being so young is that he could be anything - even in the summer he's added an awesome dead ball delivery to his repertoire, so no reason he doesn't add late runs and finishing to his skillset, but I don't think he's got that at the moment.

 

Well he definitely isn't a defensive midfielder. He's got the technique, he can strike a ball well and with precision, all he needs to learn is the composure and positioning to be able to hit the target.

[benjii]

I think I've seen every game he's played for us and I can't see what he offers us apart from a top attitude and lots of hard running. Centre mid is a tough position for a young player to prove himself, but if you look at someone like Ross Barkley, JWP is a fair way off.

 

I would suggest you are a little short sighted then. He is quality.

[hutch]

Don't be silly, Woy & Co will be too busy trying to attract Albanian-Croatian Belgians, kids from Burundi, and other corners of the globe on some ridiculous residency "qualification" , to notice home grown talent.

While at the same time criticising the other PL clubs for recruiting foreigners

[Bakovnetski]

England career will be blighted by any Croatian-Belgian-Albanians that ManUre sign as they're obviously more naturalised English cos they play for a top team.

[david in sweden]

If you consider that as an 18 year old, who has played in the Premier League...and already been selected for England U21's....there really is no point in discussing his future at this point in time.

 

he has already progressed more than most promising U21 talents (let alone anyone of 18) ..... He may have a quiet year or two whilst he becomes established, but with a start like that ...who knows ?

[saintsforlife7]

In answer to the original question, I think his talent on the ball and with deliveries will become even more accomplished as he goes on, and although more diminutive than anyone else in our midfield, agree with the Scholes comparison very much. Billy Sharp song anyone? Works perfectly with his name and would be good to get a song for another of our academy lads as well

[Saint_Randell]

In answer to the original question, I think his talent on the ball and with deliveries will become even more accomplished as he goes on, and although more diminutive than anyone else in our midfield, agree with the Scholes comparison very much. Billy Sharp song anyone? Works perfectly with his name and would be good to get a song for another of our academy lads as well

 

I heard the Marian Pahars one being used for him the other week when we came on..

[skintsaint]

Just have to say that JWP has a mean cross on him. Both from set pieces and in the wings his balls were causing all sorts of problems.

 

We actually look dangerous from way more free kicks this season, even with AL taking them also.

[Professor]

At 18, JWP is playing for a top 6 Prem team. QED.

[Saint Garrett]

He's top drawer. And it's so nice to have a player who can put a decent ball in the box! He's got a huge future, and will start a lot if games this season IMO.

[Miltonaggro]

At 18, JWP is playing for a top 6 Prem team. QED.

 

Yup, that about covers it!...

[Avenue Saint]

I think I've seen every game he's played for us and I can't see what he offers us apart from a top attitude and lots of hard running. Centre mid is a tough position for a young player to prove himself, but if you look at someone like Ross Barkley, JWP is a fair way off.

 

"Try another sport"!

[View From The Top]

As I've said before, he reminds me of a young Paul Scholes.

[qwertySFC]

The best part of JWP - from the "other" side of Hampshire but choose us over his home town - I wonder why

[John Boy Saint]

At 18, JWP is playing for a top 6 Prem team. QED.

+2

 

MP commented recently that he was very impressed with his versatility, and enjoys the fact that he can use him in a number of roles.

Unless I had my eyes closed in other games, or wasn't paying attention, it was interesting that at times he dropped into the right back position allowing Clyne to become the right winger with freedom. His deliveries from corners is very good, 99 times out 100 he easily beats the 1st man and for defenders it's like he has delivered a scalding hot potato right into the mix.

[ottery st mary]

Like others have said.....A young Scholes with a touch of Alan Ball.

 

A very good footballer and surely going on to great things.

 

Genuine post and true observations:D

 

 

NOT just for effect when the fred is brought back in a year or so to ridicule us non footer experts.

 

 

Sorry norwaysaint....forgot the young Beckham:rolleyes:

 

 

We may well require DNA tests:?

Edited 28 October, 2013 by ottery st mary

[norwaysaint]

I think we need to make a decision, is he most like a young Scholes or a young Beckham, maybe a poll?

[Dellman]

He's a better tackler than Scholes already and he's better with dead ball placements than Bally ever was, so lets not compare him, he's his own man

[ottery st mary]

He's a better tackler than Scholes already and he's better with dead ball placements than Bally ever was, so lets not compare him, he's his own man

 

 

I tink most of us are tongue in cheek..

 

There is NO doubt that he is ..his own man and a very good young footballer.

 

 

When I was young...long time ago..I was always compared to a player called Ali Dia...did me no harm:mcinnes:

 

Always a star for my village team:p

[JoeShmoe]

If he continues to bulk up and add a bit of muscle he ought to be a top notch player as he has the engine to get up and down and do a role in the pressing game

 

He reminds a little of Beckham when he was young, hasn't got the ability or speed to go by players but has energy and a range of passing, crossing etc

[Saint Garrett]

Mix between Scholes and Beckham....not bad

[Lallana's Left Peg]

Lots of people saying he has talent but the original question I posed was not questioning his quality it was what position will he settle on when he is a fixture in the team? Is he one of the two ahead of the defence or is he one of the three behind the striker? Or doesn't it matter?

[Colinjb]

Lots of people saying he has talent but the original question I posed was not questioning his quality it was what position will he settle on when he is a fixture in the team? Is he one of the two ahead of the defence or is he one of the three behind the striker? Or doesn't it matter?

 

The one behind the striker who can switch roles with one of the wider players if required for me. His range of passing and delivery make him a valuable attacking asset while his mobility and tenacity ensures that he can track back in to little detriment.

 

Exactly what we need for our tactical set up.

[SNSUN]

Some of the crosses he put in were exceptional. He has a great delivery of the ball, both in play and from set pieces, and is a bundle of energy that can run after the ball all game but still has the discipline not to lose his position and the sense to cover his teammates if they bomb forward. Give the lad a run in the side.

[toofarnorth]

I think I've seen every game he's played for us and I can't see what he offers us apart from a top attitude and lots of hard running. Centre mid is a tough position for a young player to prove himself, but if you look at someone like Ross Barkley, JWP is a fair way off.

 

In three months someone will drag up this thread and say how stupid you were. Maybe ;-)

[Leicestersaint]

He was absolutely outstanding against Fulham - he is a really great prospect and will probably play for England sooner rather than later.

[St_Tel49]

Mix between Scholes and Beckham....not bad

Has a great future just so long as he doesn't marry a Spice Girl (mind you - they would be Cougars by now!)

[Saint Garrett]

 

Not bad seeing as though he hasn't played as much as others. In the top 5 of chances created this season.

[Charlie Wayman]

He was truly awesome on Saturday and one wonders how Pochettino could ever leave him out. Automatic pick in my book

[CB Saint]

 

Not bad seeing as though he hasn't played as much as others. In the top 5 of chances created this season.

 

 

He's keeping some pretty impressive company there

[Saint Charlie]

Was great how he operated with Clyne, ensuring that he didnt get in Clyne's attacking space and covering for him when he went forward.

 

Reminded me a little of the Marsden/Bridge partnership which maximised the attacking potential of the full back, whilst obviously JWP is far more talented than Mazza was.

 

Also allows him to deliver those whipped crosses into dangerous areas without necessarily needing to have beaten the full back.

[Bourne Valley Saint]

He's magnificent - he needs a song

 

"Ward-Prowse" instead of "Our House"

to the Madness tune or as we used to do for Lundekvaam "Our Claus"

 

Can anyone come up with suitable lyrics?

[Saint Garrett]

Was great how he operated with Clyne, ensuring that he didnt get in Clyne's attacking space and covering for him when he went forward.

 

Reminded me a little of the Marsden/Bridge partnership which maximised the attacking potential of the full back, whilst obviously JWP is far more talented than Mazza was.

 

Also allows him to deliver those whipped crosses into dangerous areas without necessarily needing to have beaten the full back.

 

Agree - think he does a very similar job to Davis, but JWP has a better delivery. If both are fit, I see no reason to play Davis as much as a good job hes done for us.