Next big English talent: James Ward-Prowse

James Ward-Prowse

It was suggested during the summer that James Ward-Prowse could go out on loan, possibly to AFC Bournemouth, the youngster wanted game time and was unsure whether he would get it as he would have to compete with the excellent duo from last season, Morgan Schneiderlin and Jack Cork as well as Northern Ireland captain Steven Davis and new signing Victor Wanyama.

However, Mauricio Pochettino, in his first full season at St Mary’s, has seen something in the exciting young midfielder, enough to see him play a part in every single league game for the club that surprisingly find themselves in fourth place after seven matches.

This is far more than Cork, whose return to the team last season, many would argue, was the catalyst in Saint’s upturn in form and the Uruguay international Gaston Ramirez.

Ward-Prowse’s form this season and last season has also seen him join Luke Shaw and Nathaniel Clyne in the England under-21 set-up.

His pass accuracy of 84% is very good and compares favourably with his competition in the England senior squad. It is the same as Chelsea star Frank Lampard and just 1% less than England skipper Steven Gerrard and just 2% less than the player considered England’s most composed passer, Michael Carrick.

His pass accuracy is also second highest among those in the Southampton squad who have played regularly this season (Guly is top with 100% but has barely featured) behind only Schneiderlin.

He has also created nine chances in his seven appearances, second again in the Saint’s squad behind only Adam Lallana (11). This is also the 34th highest in the Premier League this season and better than Tom Cleverley and Frank Lampard by some way.

He is defensively sound too, although he has only made three tackles this season but has won every single one of them and has made four interceptions. While it is not the key part of his game he is certainly capable of doing it.

Last season was played in a similar vein, in 15 league matches he completed 85% of passes, equal best in the squad and won 78% of tackles.

It is clear that Ward-Prowse has talent and his passing is his best asset. An asset lacking in many English players. When you watch him play he plays with a maturity beyond his years and a picture of the game in his head that allows him to see what is going on around him and helps him to select the right pass on many occasions, helping his team retain possession.

He is also energetic and hardworking, which you have to be to play in Pochettino’s high tempo, pressing style of play.

It might be too soon to call up Ward-Prowse to the England senior squad, and progress may be best served playing in the under 21’s, but if he keeps up this form and along with this amount of first-team football it will not be long until he follows the likes of fellow midfielder Ross Barkley or Southampton team-mate Rickie Lambert and makes the full England squad.