James Ward-Prowse shows creative edge as leadership talk grows at Southampton | OneFootball

James Ward-Prowse’s set-piece reputation is secure, yet his open-play influence has quietly driven Southampton’s creativity this season.

Sainstmarching.com notes he has 17 Premier League free-kick goals, one behind David Beckham, and that a turbulent West Ham spell may have kept him from matching the record.

Beyond dead balls, he has produced seven key passes in six Championship matches, with one assist, a delivery for Welington in a 1-1 draw with Lincoln City.

He began the season at West Ham, playing 45 minutes against Burnley on the opening weekend. He has a strange relationship with West Ham boss Nuno Espírito Santo, stemming from limited minutes during a loan at Forest, and he also spent time on loan at Burnley. An academy graduate, he was in Southampton's first team from 2011 to 2023.

Southampton have welcomed his return. Despite a four-point deduction for a Spygate scandal, they are eighth. Manager Tonda Eckert awaits potential punishment after a staff member was found spying on a Middlesbrough training session and other games, which led to the Saints being kicked out of the play-offs.

If Eckert is banned and removed, leaders will be needed. Ward-Prowse, 31, was the club's captain and would step up.

On the pitch he started in central midfield in the win over Bristol City, then dropped deeper in the emphatic 4-1 victory over the same opponents. Even from a defensive role, his passing range keeps Southampton progressive. Maintaining those levels looks essential to their season.

Source: Sainstmarching.com

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