James Ward-Prowse

[Saint Fan CaM]

1 minute ago, aintforever said:

He does pass sideways and backwards too much. It will be interesting to see what clubs come in for him.

To be honest I’m past caring - just want him and a few other players who dawdle along pretending to have passion to bugger off asap. 

[bangkoksaint]

Feel sorry for him. He’s been a victim of the awful tactics and coaching. Like a good soldier he’s followed orders, gone over the top and has been left taking the flak. Good leadership would have avoided this but likewise maybe if JWP has more backbone he may have ignored those orders and tried to change things during the games.

[harvey]

25 minutes ago, FarehamSaintJames said:

Fool.

I'd expect no less response from you.

[Jeremy Corbyn]

33 minutes ago, bangkoksaint said:

Feel sorry for him. He’s been a victim of the awful tactics and coaching. Like a good soldier he’s followed orders, gone over the top and has been left taking the flak. Good leadership would have avoided this but likewise maybe if JWP has more backbone he may have ignored those orders and tried to change things during the games.

I agree. Sometimes I get frustrated with his "limitations", but then I see enough to know he's an excellent footballer being mis-managed. Could do well at a mid-table club or abroad.

[qwertyell]

41 minutes ago, aintforever said:

He does pass sideways and backwards too much. It will be interesting to see what clubs come in for him.

The modern midfielder has to be press resistant, and Ward-Prowse just isn't. He doesn't have any pace and can't dribble, so when receiving the ball under any amount of pressure all he can really do is play the way he's facing - which is usually backwards, as he's never on the half turn. 

Any attempt to turn and wriggle away from challenges usually results in him losing the ball. 

He's not alone: former partner in crime Hojbjerg has been driving Spurs fans nuts with his backwards and sideways passing, as he's another that just can't move the ball progressively under stress. 

These are a still good players, but probably too limited for sides that aspire to be among the best.

I'd be very surprised if Prowse moved to a top 6-8 side. Even more so if he's successful there. 

But good luck to him regardless. He's done his absolute best for us, and you can't ask for much more than that.

[Nemi]

11 minutes ago, qwertyell said:

The modern midfielder has to be press resistant, and Ward-Prowse just isn't. He doesn't have any pace and can't dribble, so when receiving the ball under any amount of pressure all he can really do is play the way he's facing - which is usually backwards, as he's never on the half turn. 

Any attempt to turn and wriggle away from challenges usually results in him losing the ball. 

He's not alone: former partner in crime Hojbjerg has been driving Spurs fans nuts with his backwards and sideways passing, as he's another that just can't move the ball progressively under stress. 

These are a still good players, but probably too limited for sides that aspire to be among the best.

I'd be very surprised if Prowse moved to a top 6-8 side. Even more so if he's successful there. 

But good luck to him regardless. He's done his absolute best for us, and you can't ask for much more than that.

Nail on the head. It’s all well and good he gets a goal or assist from a set-piece (though not enough from open play for me) but if he can’t handle what is such an essential part of the game now, these one per cent specials moment don’t make up for the other 99 per cent which are subpar for the PL. It really does become a drag on the team and unfortunately it has showed the past few seasons.

Equally the other players have been a drag on him, I will admit, but I personally saw these problems even during the pandemic when we were doing well.

[Mosin]

4 hours ago, harvey said:

So this afternoon, and I admit the game is lost.......in the last minute of extra time he passes back when we had the opportunity to go forwards. I really can't wait to see the back of this loser.

3-1 down and you want to go forward? for the last 60 secs to do what exactly? you hoping he sets up a goal ( to attackers who cant finish ), and hope Brighton quickly take kick off and another team member sets us up for a 3rd and 4th? Was JWP and Theo not the only two players on the pitch to even create any chances in the first place? Alcaraz missed a sitter, Aribo was invisible, like Ely was too, Lavia was not at his normal standard, Theo was Theo, Least he got the ball in the net, shame it was offside mind.

If every mid / forward / striker we have got hit just half of JWP's numbers, we wouldnt even be in the situation we are in.

Next Saints player is 91st, so only two Saints players top 100, in fact only two saints players in the top 130

Passes backwards and sideways so much he still sits in the top 6 of most chances created in the league ( Was he not top 6 end of last season too? ) how he manages to create so many chances when he only passes backwards and sideways ill never know......

Cue the " but he takes all the free kicks and corners", I cant remeber the last time KDB didnt take one, or Bruno, Or Maddison, Or Trent,or Trippier, or Mount, its also fair to say, these all take far more than him too.





 

Edited 21 May, 2023 by Mosin

[FarehamSaintJames]

He is still an exceptionally good player. He has been let down by poor management and poor teammates.

He’s had a crap season like everyone else in our squad. But he is not the root cause of any of our problems this season.

[Lee On Solent Saint]

Based on no particular theory or knowledge, I think he is going to stay, 

[FarehamSaintJames]

1 minute ago, Lee On Solent Saint said:

Based on no particular theory or knowledge, I think he is going to stay, 

Agreed.

I said the same this time last year, and was laughed at for it. 😂

Honestly, I still think he’ll stay. I don’t think he’ll leave.

If he does he’d end up at a West Ham, no bigger than that. 

[Saintscummer]

16 minutes ago, Mosin said:

3-1 down and you want to go forward? for the last 60 secs to do what exactly? you hoping he sets up a goal ( to attackers who cant finish ), and hope Brighton quickly take kick off and another team member sets us up for a 3rd and 4th? Was JWP and Theo not the only two players on the pitch to even create any chances in the first place? Alcaraz missed a sitter, Aribo was invisible, like Ely was too, Lavia was not at his normal standard, Theo was Theo, Least he got the ball in the net, shame it was offside mind.

If every mid / forward / striker we have got hit just half of JWP's numbers, we wouldnt even be in the situation we are in.

Next Saints player is 91st, so only two Saints players top 100, in fact only two saints players in the top 130

Passes backwards and sideways so much he still sits in the top 6 of most chances created in the league ( Was he not top 6 end of last season too? ) how he manages to create so many chances when he only passes backwards and sideways ill never know......

Cue the " but he takes all the free kicks and corners", I cant remeber the last time KDB didnt take one, or Bruno, Or Maddison, Or Trent,or Trippier, or Mount, its also fair to say, these all take far more than him too.





 

Him and Eriksen are the top two goal creators from set pieces in the last 10 years in the premiership. 
 

He looks to me like he has just been numbed by three managers talking shite to him this year. Is he holding, attacking or ball playing ??? Poor guy looks confused. He rarely makes mistakes, sets up chances and scores. I don’t think he should be captain but who else ??
 

 

[Saint_clark]

1 hour ago, Lee On Solent Saint said:

Based on no particular theory or knowledge, I think he is going to stay, 

I agree. Hopefully whoever we bring in will get him playing further forward again.

[harvey]

1 hour ago, Mosin said:

3-1 down and you want to go forward? for the last 60 secs to do what exactly? you hoping he sets up a goal ( to attackers who cant finish ), and hope Brighton quickly take kick off and another team member sets us up for a 3rd and 4th? Was JWP and Theo not the only two players on the pitch to even create any chances in the first place? Alcaraz missed a sitter, Aribo was invisible, like Ely was too, Lavia was not at his normal standard, Theo was Theo, Least he got the ball in the net, shame it was offside mind.

If every mid / forward / striker we have got hit just half of JWP's numbers, we wouldnt even be in the situation we are in.

Next Saints player is 91st, so only two Saints players top 100, in fact only two saints players in the top 130

Passes backwards and sideways so much he still sits in the top 6 of most chances created in the league ( Was he not top 6 end of last season too? ) how he manages to create so many chances when he only passes backwards and sideways ill never know......

Cue the " but he takes all the free kicks and corners", I cant remeber the last time KDB didnt take one, or Bruno, Or Maddison, Or Trent,or Trippier, or Mount, its also fair to say, these all take far more than him too.

Forward?, yes you moron to show some fucking spirit, not to to just roll over and die......is that too much to ask?

I don't care less how many sideways/backpasses he makes, they're pointless and we get nowhere.



 

 

[SaveloyMush]

2 hours ago, Mosin said:

3-1 down and you want to go forward? for the last 60 secs to do what exactly? you hoping he sets up a goal ( to attackers who cant finish ), and hope Brighton quickly take kick off and another team member sets us up for a 3rd and 4th? Was JWP and Theo not the only two players on the pitch to even create any chances in the first place? Alcaraz missed a sitter, Aribo was invisible, like Ely was too, Lavia was not at his normal standard, Theo was Theo, Least he got the ball in the net, shame it was offside mind.

If every mid / forward / striker we have got hit just half of JWP's numbers, we wouldnt even be in the situation we are in.

Next Saints player is 91st, so only two Saints players top 100, in fact only two saints players in the top 130

Passes backwards and sideways so much he still sits in the top 6 of most chances created in the league ( Was he not top 6 end of last season too? ) how he manages to create so many chances when he only passes backwards and sideways ill never know......

Cue the " but he takes all the free kicks and corners", I cant remeber the last time KDB didnt take one, or Bruno, Or Maddison, Or Trent,or Trippier, or Mount, its also fair to say, these all take far more than him too.





 

He's mediocre, Mr. WP. 

Accept it.

[SaveloyMush]

1 hour ago, Lee On Solent Saint said:

Based on no particular theory or knowledge, I think he is going to stay, 

I truly hope you are wrong.

[harvey]

2 hours ago, Lee On Solent Saint said:

Based on no particular theory or knowledge, I think he is going to stay, 

I hope not.

[Lighthouse]

13 minutes ago, SaveloyMush said:

I truly hope you are wrong.

 

6 minutes ago, harvey said:

I hope not.

If you think we’re getting anyone in this summer who’s anywhere near as good as JWP, you’re in for a very nasty shock.

[Mosin]

22 minutes ago, harvey said:

 

And as i already said, to what purpose? If it didnt work in the first 100 mins of football, and the only time you do score is when you put the ball on a platter 3 yards from goal, and you have on your own created more than half of all your teams chancs to score, in this game, and throughout the season, having watched just under 80 chances be wasted, for what purpose do you want him to pass it forward for? so he can chase after it again to win it back for the 5000000000000th time this season? ( you know because not one Saints player covers the ground JWP does )  or fish it out his own net? get in a last ditch block? tell every body what to do for the 10000000000000000000000000000th time?

PS. JWP has made twice the progressive passes than his nearest team mate, has made nearly half of all our teams chances to score, so many he sits comfy in the top 6 most creative players in the LEAGUE, while all our players apart from Che are out side the top 130.....

 

[harvey]

6 hours ago, Lighthouse said:

 

If you think we’re getting anyone in this summer who’s anywhere near as good as JWP, you’re in for a very nasty shock.

Someone with a different mindset would be an improvement.

[AlexLaw76]

4 minutes ago, harvey said:

Someone with a different mindset would be an improvement.

what is wrong with his mindset?

[harvey]

6 hours ago, Mosin said:

And as i already said, to what purpose? If it didnt work in the first 100 mins of football, and the only time you do score is when you put the ball on a platter 3 yards from goal, and you have on your own created more than half of all your teams chancs to score, in this game, and throughout the season, having watched just under 80 chances be wasted, for what purpose do you want him to pass it forward for? so he can chase after it again to win it back for the 5000000000000th time this season? ( you know because not one Saints player covers the ground JWP does )  or fish it out his own net? get in a last ditch block? tell every body what to do for the 10000000000000000000000000000th time?

PS. JWP has made twice the progressive passes than his nearest team mate, has made nearly half of all our teams chances to score, so many he sits comfy in the top 6 most creative players in the LEAGUE, while all our players apart from Che are out side the top 130.....

 

Hey thanks for the reply, just rather frustrated with our style of play and do think JWP could be more progressive.... apologies for the name calling also.

[SotonianWill]

11 hours ago, AlexLaw76 said:

what is wrong with his mindset?

Mr negative, we won’t get a similar player ability wise however we’ll hopefully get 1) a greater leader (not hard) 2) someone who is positive on the ball. 

In the stands vs fulham it actually became a bit of a joke with ward-prowse passing backwards. people kept calling it before it happened and placing fake bets, and guess what 9/10 he passed backwards. he’s boring, it achieves nothing. 

He was probably really good against brighton as I didn’t watch that game. 

Edited 22 May, 2023 by SotonianWill

[Lighthouse]

3 hours ago, harvey said:

Someone with a different mindset would be an improvement.

We know nothing of his mindset. Collectively this team is awful; the players are substandard and the tactics are hopeless. Passing it sideways and backwards is simply a sign of how poor all the options are around him and how ineffective we are at mounting an incisive attack.

[AlexLaw76]

2 hours ago, SotonianWill said:

Mr negative, we won’t get a similar player ability wise however we’ll hopefully get 1) a greater leader (not hard) 2) someone who is positive on the ball. 

In the stands vs fulham it actually became a bit of a joke with ward-prowse passing backwards. people kept calling it before it happened and placing fake bets, and guess what 9/10 he passed backwards. he’s boring, it achieves nothing. 

He was probably really good against brighton as I didn’t watch that game. 

how is he Mr Negative?

[pimpin4rizeal]

I don’t think playing in a centre midfield 2 really suits jwp tbh I think this is a huge huge part of the problem where we look so slow and ponderous and just end up playing negative slow back passes until we lose the ball .. we don’t have a dynamic midfielder to get us up the pitch so it ends up like this ..

on the other hand in 433 I think having that extra body in the centre would give us more options and space on the ball and would have suited us much better .. jones playing jwp more as a acm was also a experiment that could have worked .. but this crap 442 we have been using just really gives so many problems with the personel we we using with it 

[FarehamSaintJames]

I mean if he does have a “negative mindset” now I’m not surprised. 

I would if I had to play with any of those teammates for the past nine months. I’d be pissed right off.

[Lord Duckhunter]

He’s bang average, which is why he’s one of our better players. 

[Dman]

12 minutes ago, Lord Duckhunter said:

He’s bang average, which is why he’s one of our better players. 

Agreed - I don't see him going anywhere other than a West Ham / Villa type (maybe Brighton). He's a bulk standard top 10 player at best. Up until this season, we were his level, he was our level. I can't see him ending his career with a ton of medals wherever he goes. 

it'll be sad from a sentimental point of view and he is one of the limited ones who care, but I wouldn't be too arsed if he goes. Free kicks aside (who everyone has now cottoned onto the fact its better to let us shoot then give away a free kick), he's not a match winner and doesn't dictate games. 

Do we miss him when he's not there? Of course, that's because anyone coming in to fill his spot is fucking useless. could we replace him or more so what he offers (again free kicks aside).. imo easily.

We will of course miss his free kick ability. That would get you 10 goals in the championship. 

 

[SotonianWill]

1 hour ago, FarehamSaintJames said:

I mean if he does have a “negative mindset” now I’m not surprised. 

I would if I had to play with any of those teammates for the past nine months. I’d be pissed right off.

well yes, but you still expect him to do something. anything. he says low standards were apparent in pre season, and so it was obvious we’d struggle. Well why, as captain, did he not try to change it instead of us consistently being below standard (according to the athletic)? This is also the fault of coaching staff. 

On the pitch he can be a good player when played more attacking (under jones), but his negative mentality of passing for the majority of the season as with most our players doesn't make him stand out.

He runs around a lot, but that should be a bare minimum for a fit box to box midfielder. It may up his completed passes stat or his distance covered stats, which fans somehow use to show how good he is. they don’t show how good he is, it’s what he can do on the ball which shows him as a player with ability. Sadly this season he hasn’t fully utilised this ability due to poor players around him and a negative mindset. 

Edited 22 May, 2023 by SotonianWill

[Mosin]

2 hours ago, Dman said:

Agreed - I don't see him going anywhere other than a West Ham / Villa type (maybe Brighton). He's a bulk standard top 10 player at best. Up until this season, we were his level, he was our level. I can't see him ending his career with a ton of medals wherever he goes. 

it'll be sad from a sentimental point of view and he is one of the limited ones who care, but I wouldn't be too arsed if he goes. Free kicks aside (who everyone has now cottoned onto the fact its better to let us shoot then give away a free kick), he's not a match winner and doesn't dictate games. 

Do we miss him when he's not there? Of course, that's because anyone coming in to fill his spot is fucking useless. could we replace him or more so what he offers (again free kicks aside).. imo easily.

We will of course miss his free kick ability. That would get you 10 goals in the championship. 

 

Are Newcastle not favs to sign him? a team going into to Europe, with Spurs also an apparent destination? Even talks of him joining Poch at Chelsea.....

Also, who do you think could come in replace JWP and start dictating games at southampton? i can think of players who would improve the team, but i cant think of that ultimate signing that would come in and start dictating games all on his own, Like swapping JWP for Kante is going to make a difference to this lot LOL.


 

Edited 22 May, 2023 by Mosin

[Lee On Solent Saint]

20 minutes ago, Mosin said:

Are Newcastle not favs to sign him? a team going into to Europe, with Spurs also an apparent destination? Even talks of him joining Poch at Chelsea.....

Also, who do you think could come in replace JWP and start dictating games at southampton? i can think of players who would improve the team, but i cant think of that ultimate signing that would come in and start dictating games all on his own, Like swapping JWP for Kante is going to make a difference to this lot LOL.


 

If he signs for any of those three you have mentioned, he's going to spend most of the next four years on the subs bench. Going to end up a bit part player like Phillips at City. 

[SotonianWill]

27 minutes ago, Mosin said:

Are Newcastle not favs to sign him? a team going into to Europe, with Spurs also an apparent destination? Even talks of him joining Poch at Chelsea.....

Also, who do you think could come in replace JWP and start dictating games at southampton? i can think of players who would improve the team, but i cant think of that ultimate signing that would come in and start dictating games all on his own, Like swapping JWP for Kante is going to make a difference to this lot LOL.


 

We won’t sign a better player than ward-prowse, but that dosent mean a replacement won’t make our team better. many “worse” players in midfield have resulted in a better team. Think fulham, brentford. do they have a better player in midfield individually than JWP? majority of our fanbase would say no. Are they better teams than us? yes

Edited 22 May, 2023 by SotonianWill

[Lighthouse]

3 minutes ago, SotonianWill said:

We won’t sign a better player than ward-prowse, but that dosent mean a replacement won’t make our team better. many “worse” players in midfield have resulted in a better team. Think fulham, brentford. do they have a better player in midfield individually than JWP? majority of our fanbase would say no. Are they better teams than us? yes

How on Earth is a worse player going to make them a better team? Fulham and Brentford are better because they have better teams and managers, not because they have bad midfielders.

[SotonianWill]

3 minutes ago, Lighthouse said:

How on Earth is a worse player going to make them a better team? Fulham and Brentford are better because they have better teams and managers, not because they have bad midfielders.

I see no reason why, if Russell Martin signs a midfielder fully suited to his system, he can’t make our team better despite being a worse player than jwp ability wise. 

[Lighthouse]

5 minutes ago, SotonianWill said:

I see no reason why, if Russell Martin signs a midfielder fully suited to his system, he can’t make our team better despite being a worse player than jwp ability wise. 

But that’ll be because we have a proper manager who has the team better organised, not because we have inferior midfielders.

[SotonianWill]

7 minutes ago, Lighthouse said:

But that’ll be because we have a proper manager who has the team better organised, not because we have inferior midfielders.

You’ve basically explained my argument, which is based around an inferior player in a good system being better than a team of good individuals, hence why I gave those teams as examples. 

[Toussaint]

38 minutes ago, Lee On Solent Saint said:

If he signs for any of those three you have mentioned, he's going to spend most of the next four years on the subs bench. Going to end up a bit part player like Phillips at City. 

I’m not so sure, city are different, they could put out two teams that would finish in the top four. 

[Saint Billy]

Let’s face it, if we are going to get numerous free kicks near and around the box he is a great asset, other than that he really doesn’t offer much else.

He doesn’t take on players and rarely picks out penetrating passes, so in reality he is a luxury than we can ill afford and by no means is he captain material. It’s time for him to go.

Edited 22 May, 2023 by Saint Billy

[Paul Chuckle]

 

with fans chanting "One more year" and being 'heartbroken' by the thought of JWP leaving, why would he even consider leaving?

 

Not my words, but the words of SaintRob, and I for one agree with him

 

Edited 22 May, 2023 by Paul Chuckle

[Lee On Solent Saint]

I guess in many ways he is living out the nightmare situation that didn't happen to Le Tiss. He obviously loves the club and probably would never had considered leaving if we stayed in the Premier League. I still think he will stay though.

[Alanh]

I would love JWP to be much more progressive on the ball.  Lavia regularly seems to receive the ball on the half turn and move or pass forward, but JWP doesn't seem to do that as much.  Lavia also gives that ball away more often and was at fault for the first two goals yesterday. It might be down to the manager or it might be he has become increasingly cautious over the season as we have become less confident as a team.

The one thing that amazes me in many comments about him is what appears to be an expectation that he will be the player to get the team playing positively, scoring goals and winning games.  There are no other teams in the league where you can definitively say one of their defensive midfielders is also their creative force.  Given he has been asked to play as DM for the last 18 months it's amazing that he has contributed what he has in terms of minutes played and chances created.

[bpsaint]

4 hours ago, Dman said:

Agreed - I don't see him going anywhere other than a West Ham / Villa type (maybe Brighton). He's a bulk standard top 10 player at best. Up until this season, we were his level, he was our level. I can't see him ending his career with a ton of medals wherever he goes. 

it'll be sad from a sentimental point of view and he is one of the limited ones who care, but I wouldn't be too arsed if he goes. Free kicks aside (who everyone has now cottoned onto the fact its better to let us shoot then give away a free kick), he's not a match winner and doesn't dictate games. 

Do we miss him when he's not there? Of course, that's because anyone coming in to fill his spot is fucking useless. could we replace him or more so what he offers (again free kicks aside).. imo easily.

We will of course miss his free kick ability. That would get you 10 goals in the championship. 

 

With talk of Declan Rice leaving West Ham I could easily see them bringing in Prowsey as they’d think he’s a perfect replacement. They’ll be in for a shock when they realise he doesn’t quite offer what Rice does.

[Dman]

Just to put the Myth to bed about JWP not being selected for England because he plays for us, the current squad contains; 

3 x Crystal Palace 

1 x Everton 

1 x Leicester 

1 x Brighton 

1 x Aston Villa

Southgate picks his side based on how they’ve previously performed for England and how they’d suit his system (Maguire being the example there). 

Even if he moves on and has a storming season, at best, all he can hope for is being in the squad for the euros… he’s not starting. 

 

[LeBizzier69]

12 minutes ago, Dman said:

Just to put the Myth to bed about JWP not being selected for England because he plays for us, the current squad contains; 

3 x Crystal Palace 

1 x Everton 

1 x Leicester 

1 x Brighton 

1 x Aston Villa

Southgate picks his side based on how they’ve previously performed for England and how they’d suit his system (Maguire being the example there). 

Even if he moves on and has a storming season, at best, all he can hope for is being in the squad for the euros… he’s not starting. 

 

Barring a numnber of long term injuries, he is never going to be a starter (bench warmer if he's really lucky) for England....even when his stats are top notch and he's scoring goals he's not high up on the list. One would imagine that any move shouldn't be based on an England career, but simply staying in the PL. 

[Dman]

14 minutes ago, LeBizzier69 said:

Barring a numnber of long term injuries, he is never going to be a starter (bench warmer if he's really lucky) for England....even when his stats are top notch and he's scoring goals he's not high up on the list. One would imagine that any move shouldn't be based on an England career, but simply staying in the PL. 

Maybe i'm biased and I'm not for a minute saying they aren't a bigger club, but I don't see the value (for him) in moving. I can't see him going anywhere other than a west ham or Aston Villa. What's the best he'll achieve there - possibly a season or 2 in the europa league? 

He's paid more than well enough here, he's not starting for England wherever he goes, he's not winning anything major (at best a FA cup maybe..?). I'm not suggesting he rots in the championship, but if he stuck around for 1 more season and we do go up, is he going to be in a much better position if he moves on? I'm not so sure.

[Graffito]

On 22/05/2023 at 17:52, Alanh said:

I would love JWP to be much more progressive on the ball.  Lavia regularly seems to receive the ball on the half turn and move or pass forward, but JWP doesn't seem to do that as much.  Lavia also gives that ball away more often and was at fault for the first two goals yesterday. It might be down to the manager or it might be he has become increasingly cautious over the season as we have become less confident as a team.

The one thing that amazes me in many comments about him is what appears to be an expectation that he will be the player to get the team playing positively, scoring goals and winning games.  There are no other teams in the league where you can definitively say one of their defensive midfielders is also their creative force.  Given he has been asked to play as DM for the last 18 months it's amazing that he has contributed what he has in terms of minutes played and chances created.

It’s because he’s slow on the turn and slow to accelerate. These are much bigger drawbacks to his game imo than the often cited lack of pace. You see it also when players go past him quite easily sometimes. Defensively he’s improved a bit by better positional play so that he doesn’t get caught out so often by players wrong footing him. But offensively he doesn’t seem to have the attributes to play on the half turn. Lavia can do it. Of course Lavia’s an exceptional player. It’s not that common for defensive midfielders to be able to turn defence into attack as Lavia does. It’s great to see. And it’s risky.
 

More generally on JWP, I saw something in the Athletic appraising the players most likely to leave. I can’t be arsed to post it and it’s probably against the rules anyway but his stats (ok stats but they give us part of the picture) are way ahead of anybody else in the squad.
 

Secondly, he gives his all. There are many in this squad I wouldn’t pay in chocolate buttons. He’s not one of them. We as fans expect players to care as much as we do. He does. We’ll miss him when he’s gone.

[a1ex2001]

Those in this thread saying they hope he leaves and trying to paint JWP as a poor player need to go stand in the corner for a bit and think about how dense they are being.  I'm fully aware he is not KDB but he is a class above every other midfielder at the club and would be one of the very very top players in the Championship, if he is dumb/loyal enough to stay another season it will be the best piece of business we do this summer.  Seriously look at his numbers he has been outstanding for us consistently for years, actually appears to give a damn about the club and would walk into the teams at at least 14/15 other clubs in the premier league let alone the championship.  All he lacks is that extra 10% that would make him world class, if he has been blessed with a little pace and a trick or two we would have lost him within a season to one of the big four. 

Edited 24 May, 2023 by a1ex2001

[Saint86]

14 minutes ago, a1ex2001 said:

Those in this thread saying they hope he leaves and trying to paint JWP as a poor player need to go stand in the corner for a bit and think about how dense they are being.  I'm fully aware he is not KDB but he is a class above every other midfielder at the club and would be one of the very very top players in the Championship, if he is dumb/loyal enough to stay another season it will be the best piece of business we do this summer.  Seriously look at his numbers he has been outstanding for us consistently for years, actually appears to give a damn about the club and would walk into the teams at at least 14/15 other clubs in the premier league let alone the championship.  All he lacks is that extra 10% that would make him world class, if he has been blessed with a little pace and a trick or two we would have lost him within a season to one of the big four. 

I hope he stays and guides us back to promotion even if it takes a couple of years.... If only to see him getting praise and true legend status whilst the boo boys have to grumble miserably amongst themselves in the corner 😎. Anyone suggesting he shouldn't be one of our (or the championship's) highest paid players is smoking some bad crack. Reality is that he's far too good for that league sadly.

It wouldn't surprise me if he waits to see what the owners do this summer re ambition and promotion chances before he makes his mind up. As much as relegation hurts, guiding saints back to the prem would be pretty special for someone as committed to the club as he is.

Edited 24 May, 2023 by Saint86

[ecuk268]

1 hour ago, Dman said:

Just to put the Myth to bed about JWP not being selected for England because he plays for us, the current squad contains; 

3 x Crystal Palace 

1 x Everton 

1 x Leicester 

1 x Brighton 

1 x Aston Villa

Southgate picks his side based on how they’ve previously performed for England and how they’d suit his system (Maguire being the example there). 

Even if he moves on and has a storming season, at best, all he can hope for is being in the squad for the euros… he’s not starting. 

 

Makes you wonder how Kalvin Phillips gets in.

Comes back from the World Cup and Pep says that he's overweight.

Doesn't start a game until January when we knock them out of the EFL cup.

Doesn't start a Premiership game until last Sunday at Brighton.

[a1ex2001]

2 hours ago, Dman said:

Just to put the Myth to bed about JWP not being selected for England because he plays for us, the current squad contains; 

3 x Crystal Palace 

1 x Everton 

1 x Leicester 

1 x Brighton 

1 x Aston Villa

Southgate picks his side based on how they’ve previously performed for England and how they’d suit his system (Maguire being the example there). 

Even if he moves on and has a storming season, at best, all he can hope for is being in the squad for the euros… he’s not starting. 

 

I don't think anyone here thinks he should be in England's starting 11 do they?  I certainly don't!  He should as he is be in and around the squad and I think he has been unlucky not to get more caps, if he put up similar numbers at a bigger club he would no doubt be selected more often.