Monk Posted 18 January, 2015 Share Posted 18 January, 2015 Where is his best position and why? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 18 January, 2015 Share Posted 18 January, 2015 6 assists in 12 is it now? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aziz Yebda Posted 18 January, 2015 Share Posted 18 January, 2015 Goalkeeper, probably quicker off his line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
igsey Posted 18 January, 2015 Share Posted 18 January, 2015 6 assists in 12 is it now? 5 in his last 6 games! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S-Clarke Posted 18 January, 2015 Share Posted 18 January, 2015 He's developed rapidly in these last 6 months, he's now a regular - not an in and out type of player, he's now a key player. He is sometimes a little lightweight, but his position in supporting the attacks - usually just in an AMC role - is where I've been most impressed with him. His ability to sense and float into space shows he has a great understanding of the game, and obviously we all know that his touch and technique is second to none. Set pieces, obviously, not many better in the league - but his assists from open play, which he's played 2 or 3 times this year, have been equally as impressive - the weights of the passes have been Tadic esque in some cases. All he needs is a goal, as in that position he needs to be more of a goal threat in a sense - but he's come on leaps and bounds, will be another England player before long - but not sure that's a good thing, would be happy to keep them all away from that mess if I'm honest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smirking_Saint Posted 18 January, 2015 Share Posted 18 January, 2015 Attacking midfield, he doesnt possess the natural ability to tackle or intercept as effectively as big vic or morgs but he has the brain to harry opposition in the final third Added to his excellent ability in passing, crossing etc and early signs that his footballing brain from an attacking pov defies his age. He plays like an experienced attacking minded midfielder IMO and think he'll end up an excellent player Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richardc Posted 18 January, 2015 Share Posted 18 January, 2015 Great contribution to the game - I just wish he would do a bit more shooting practice in training Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doggface Posted 18 January, 2015 Share Posted 18 January, 2015 Agreed. 1 goal in 60+ apps....poor 0 direct free kicks too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nta786 Posted 18 January, 2015 Share Posted 18 January, 2015 Id say his best position is the Number 10, an attacking role, for reasons tbh stated above. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badger Posted 18 January, 2015 Share Posted 18 January, 2015 Agreed. 1 goal in 60+ apps....poor 0 direct free kicks too. I think he's scored a couple for England though, so he is capable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lloydie Posted 18 January, 2015 Share Posted 18 January, 2015 I have a feeling that next pre-season the staff will probably work with him on scoring more/taking more shots. A bit like after our first season up lallana suddenly got quicker and better at shooting somehow after preseason. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SNSUN Posted 18 January, 2015 Share Posted 18 January, 2015 He's a good player, not brilliant but good. He seems to have good awareness on the ball, his assist yesterday was excellent, and his free kicks are very well executed. I agree he needs to add goals to his game, and then he'll be a good little attacking midfielder to complement Reed at DM, otherwise known as "the future". He'll only get better too with experience. Look at Lallana, who improved year on year. No wonder other teams' covet him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 18 January, 2015 Share Posted 18 January, 2015 Think he's a successor to Davis with a potentially higher ceiling. Wouldn't say he's the most naturally gifted player and he won't beat or turn a man. Equally not sure he has the tools (just yet) to dictate a defense - a lot of his good attacking play has come on the counter when teams have a left a lot of space in behind. But he's a thoroughly modern player in the sense that he carries defensive duties further up the pitch, often taking out opponents holding player and ability to build from the back while possessing a decent brain and eye for a pass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
austsaint Posted 18 January, 2015 Share Posted 18 January, 2015 He's a good player, not brilliant but good. He seems to have good awareness on the ball, his assist yesterday was excellent, and his free kicks are very well executed. I agree he needs to add goals to his game, and then he'll be a good little attacking midfielder to complement Reed at DM, otherwise known as "the future". He'll only get better too with experience. Look at Lallana, who improved year on year. No wonder other teams' covet him. But he hasn't got the quick feet and first touch of Lallana and I can't see him improving in that area. His strengths as I see them are dead ball delivery and the occasional killer pass, a couple of which have resulted in goals. I'd like to see him take defenders on now and again rather than the safe water carrier passes which often slow our attack down. He has got time on his side and is improving, but has a lot to prove on the pitch to match the boom being put on him by many. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 18 January, 2015 Share Posted 18 January, 2015 I think he is intelligent with a great eye for a pass with good delivery (I've seen him put cross field passes onto a team mates foot) were he lacks is the physical side of the game he can't tackle for sh it and gets pushed of the ball way to easy for me. AM in behind Pelle looks to be his best position. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mystic Force Posted 19 January, 2015 Share Posted 19 January, 2015 I think that his best position is CM like you would find in a 442 unfortunately we and no one else really plays that any more. He is an ok tackler, great passer, not a lot of pace but reads a game very well. May be being part of the 3 in 532 would be goods for him too. Not a DM and as an AM he doesn't have the tricks or the speed. So box to box CM probably best position. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dellman Posted 19 January, 2015 Share Posted 19 January, 2015 He is so adaptable, any gap - he can fill it, useful guy to have but he deserves a fixed place. Goals? When he gets started they will come, could be another Lampard for goals, he's got the gift of being in the right place, just watch he'll have ten next season, unless he's signed for Arsenal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_Ash Posted 19 January, 2015 Share Posted 19 January, 2015 (edited) He has 7 assists for the season so far which is pretty good as he'd only played 90 minutes 4 times. Only Sigurdsson (8 ), Baines (8 ), Tadic (9) and Fabregas (15!!) are better than him on the assist charts and Sanchez, Oscar, Sterling, Henderson and Downing are in the same boat as 7 so JWP is in good company. I'd like to see him try and be like Fabregas, working in the number 10 role seeing a quick pass to the striker to create a goal, just like he did in the first goal for Elia. Great ball. As already mentioned I can see him taking the mantle form Davis at some point but taking it further. Got an excellent future with Saints. Edited 19 January, 2015 by Saint_Ash Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
igsey Posted 19 January, 2015 Share Posted 19 January, 2015 He is so adaptable, any gap - he can fill it, useful guy to have but he deserves a fixed place. Goals? When he gets started they will come, could be another Lampard for goals, he's got the gift of being in the right place, just watch he'll have ten next season, unless he's signed for Arsenal In which case he'll play 4 average games, then injure himself and be out for a year. But he is young and from our academy so chances of Wenger signing him are pretty high! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lallana's Left Peg Posted 19 January, 2015 Share Posted 19 January, 2015 I started a thread on him last season. I see his value and he has a lot of qualities but his best position is still unknown. In this system it is being furthest forward of the three midfielders - I don't think he has a 'presence' to play in the defensive two. But he needs to generate a goal threat, and needs to influence games more. He is clearly an intelligent and diligent player, and when he plays in his age group for England U21's he plays deeper and always looks good. There is more to come, and he deserves the opportunity to be able grow in that respect as well. He has developed nicely over the last few years and as long as that continues I'll be delighted. At a time when the fitness demands of the Premier League increase year on year, to have a player as adaptable as him is valuable - as well as his in game intelligence. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
austsaint Posted 19 January, 2015 Share Posted 19 January, 2015 He has 7 assists for the season so far which is pretty good as he'd only played 90 minutes 4 times. Only Sigurdsson (8 ), Baines (8 ), Tadic (9) and Fabregas (15!!) are better than him on the assist charts and Sanchez, Oscar, Sterling, Henderson and Downing are in the same boat as 7 so JWP is in good company. I'd like to see him try and be like Fabregas, working in the number 10 role seeing a quick pass to the striker to create a goal, just like he did in the first goal for Elia. Great ball. As already mentioned I can see him taking the mantle form Davis at some point but taking it further. Got an excellent future with Saints. I admit I'm not a big fan of JWP, but the assist stats you list there seem misleading. Going purely on memory (dangerous thing) JWP's open play assists were the one/one with Sadio a few weeks back and the lovely through ball for Elia on Saturday - otherwise I assume he has been credited with assists from corners, free kicks or crosses. As someone else mentioned he just doesn't seem to have the presence or quick feet to play off Pelle; as a box to box midfielder he doesn't or can't at this stage burst forward with the ball at his feet like Barkley, Ramsey or even our own Steve Davis and clearly the holding role is not for him either. After 70 or so first team appearances he still hasn't got a clear position to occupy whereas Harry Reed, with his combative, high energy style has immediately put down a marker as a DM. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5string Posted 19 January, 2015 Share Posted 19 January, 2015 In my opinion... He seems to fit well into an old-fashioned 'inside right' type position. This would suit a 5-3-2 formation as previously mentioned. Not sure how that would suit our other midfielders, though. He's neither a winger, a luxury skilful player, nor an 'engine room' style midfielder, but he definitely adds a certain 'je ne sais quoi' to the attacking options of the team with his passing and attacking support (as backed up by 'assist' stats). Whenever I've watched (on tv) he has been a creative force. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mitch01 Posted 19 January, 2015 Share Posted 19 January, 2015 He's already good and will get better and better. Very intelligent player, great technique, fantastic at dead balls. As he gets older he'll get stronger and be able to impose himself a little more and effect games more than he does now. Most clubs in the division would love to have him in their ranks, he'll play for England. I'd back him to get a goal or two before the end of the season and 5+ next year - then he'll really start being talked about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
washsaint Posted 20 January, 2015 Share Posted 20 January, 2015 Would not be at all surprised to see JWP break into the England squad this season. He is a very special talent and is very underrated by many on here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
niceandfriendly Posted 20 January, 2015 Share Posted 20 January, 2015 Vital player for us, playing so well in the AMC role. Really thought this would be his last season as a saints player, but his woeful finishing will probably mean he ends up staying with us. Amazing that such a great attacking player has such little ability in front of goal. Hope Koeman can help him with that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faz Posted 20 January, 2015 Share Posted 20 January, 2015 Would not be at all surprised to see JWP break into the England squad this season. He is a very special talent and is very underrated by many on here. I agree. This is like déjà vu all over again as per Morgan 5 years ago. In a moment someone will suggest they'd rather have Paul Wotton! This is a kid learning his trade in central midfield for a team in 3rd place in the physically toughest league in the world. He is going to be bloody awesome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coxford_lou Posted 20 January, 2015 Share Posted 20 January, 2015 I agree. This is like déjà vu all over again as per Morgan 5 years ago. In a moment someone will suggest they'd rather have Paul Wotton! This is a kid learning his trade in central midfield for a team in 3rd place in the physically toughest league in the world. He is going to be bloody awesome. People tend to be pretty short sighted on here. But I don't see how you can argue with assists. It's like saying a striker isn't playing well even when they've scored dozens of goals! Someone on a different thread broke down the goals JWP provided assists for ( before the Newcastle game- I can't find it now, but I'm rubbish at search). It was a pretty impressive list from open play to set pieces. Add to that, when we didn't have him, our crossing was dire. What's to complain about?! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy_Porter Posted 20 January, 2015 Share Posted 20 January, 2015 His best position is the most attacking of a midfield three, I think all our midfielders look better when there is some rotation between them rather than one playing as a set number ten with two holders. If he can add a few goals to his game he will become first choice ahead of Davis in that position IMO which shows how good he is playing currently. Can't see JWP ever becoming a holding player or a wide player, hasn't quite got the physical attributes to play those positions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benjii Posted 20 January, 2015 Share Posted 20 January, 2015 People who say he's "good but not that good", need to pause and ask themselves how many central midfielders were better at his age. He's only 20. Morgan wasn't as good at that age. To put a bit more context on this he's younger than: Ross Barkley John Stones Danny Ings Harry Kane Jack Butland He needs to develop in a chosen position and I think we're seeing signs that he's doing that in the advanced role. Look at his movement and vision in the link up with Pelle for the first goal against Newcastle. He spotted the gap, made a late run and told Pelle where to put the ball. Cracking play. He doesn't put in crunching tackles or bamboozle defenders with step-overs but neither does Fabregas. He needs to keep developing and try to emulate him and, as people have said, add a few goals but I guarantee he will play his whole career in the upper echelons of a top league and will get a load of England caps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foxstone Posted 20 January, 2015 Share Posted 20 January, 2015 Advanced midfield with a brief to create - Right up his street and something he does very, very well. As other have said, he needs to score a few goals now though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrfahaji Posted 20 January, 2015 Share Posted 20 January, 2015 I admit I'm not a big fan of JWP, but the assist stats you list there seem misleading. Going purely on memory (dangerous thing) JWP's open play assists were the one/one with Sadio a few weeks back and the lovely through ball for Elia on Saturday - otherwise I assume he has been credited with assists from corners, free kicks or crosses. As someone else mentioned he just doesn't seem to have the presence or quick feet to play off Pelle; as a box to box midfielder he doesn't or can't at this stage burst forward with the ball at his feet like Barkley, Ramsey or even our own Steve Davis and clearly the holding role is not for him either. After 70 or so first team appearances he still hasn't got a clear position to occupy whereas Harry Reed, with his combative, high energy style has immediately put down a marker as a DM. I understand the point you're making, but then we shouldn't underestimate the importance of having a player who can deliver a good ball from set pieces - goals from corners count just the same as goals from open play, after all! I agree that he is still missing something, but we have had games (not that many, admittedly - Villa springs to mind) this season where the final ball has been sorely lacking - what price do you pay for someone who can pick that crucial pass/cross in the final third? Even if his all round game isn't quite at the level of some of our other midfielders, maybe his dead ball and crossing skills are worth his inclusion? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sussexsaint Posted 20 January, 2015 Share Posted 20 January, 2015 He would be my bet to be the next player up on our banner next to Rickie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Angel Gabriel Posted 20 January, 2015 Share Posted 20 January, 2015 I remember commenting during the W Ham away fixture that he is on the periphery of the match and doesn't contribute enough. Since then I believe his influence has grown the extent that he is a deffo starter. I think this has been assisted by moving to a more central role. If we are to become a 50% home grown club, we are going to have to allow young players to develop within the first team. That may well cost us points. The big money clubs don't take that risk. I like our model more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
positivepete Posted 20 January, 2015 Share Posted 20 January, 2015 Where is his best position and why? Come on Monk, you are a coach, give us your view. Are you doing this as part of a coaching assignment? Some interesting comments above, better than the usual standard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint_Ash Posted 20 January, 2015 Share Posted 20 January, 2015 He would be my bet to be the next player up on our banner next to Rickie If we can win some silverware in the next couple of years with Fonte holding aloft the trophy then he would be my bet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vince Posted 20 January, 2015 Share Posted 20 January, 2015 http://www.whoscored.com/Articles/kp0rivoe_kkxxgnygmazfw/Show/Player-Focus-Excelling-Saints-Scholar-Ward-Prowse-Playing-Underrated-Role Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint1977 Posted 20 January, 2015 Share Posted 20 January, 2015 People who say he's "good but not that good", need to pause and ask themselves how many central midfielders were better at his age. He's only 20. Morgan wasn't as good at that age. To put a bit more context on this he's younger than: Ross Barkley John Stones Danny Ings Harry Kane Jack Butland He needs to develop in a chosen position and I think we're seeing signs that he's doing that in the advanced role. Look at his movement and vision in the link up with Pelle for the first goal against Newcastle. He spotted the gap, made a late run and told Pelle where to put the ball. Cracking play. He doesn't put in crunching tackles or bamboozle defenders with step-overs but neither does Fabregas. He needs to keep developing and try to emulate him and, as people have said, add a few goals but I guarantee he will play his whole career in the upper echelons of a top league and will get a load of England caps. This. JWP is a good player now but is going to get one heck of a lot better. He's never going to be a Morgan but as you say, in that advanced role, we'll see a fine football brain emerging. Pleased to see he had more shots on goal at Newcastle and nearly caught Krul out first half from long range. Wouldn't mind betting he repeats that long range cracker v Bright pre-season a couple of times before this season finishes. Also, with the rich options we have in midfield, Koeman still preferred him when everyone was fully fit early in the season before JWP broke his foot so that tells you how much Ronald rates him. I think he knows what a future international midfielder looks like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
positivepete Posted 20 January, 2015 Share Posted 20 January, 2015 http://www.whoscored.com/Articles/kp0rivoe_kkxxgnygmazfw/Show/Player-Focus-Excelling-Saints-Scholar-Ward-Prowse-Playing-Underrated-Role And you can add to those positive attributes a very high work rate. Like Morgan he puts in the yards on the pitch and does not just rely on the fact that he reads the game so well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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