The definition of potential is James Ward-Prowse.
There is no denying that the former England U21 captain has the potential to become one of the best midfielders the country currently has to offer and to become a legend at Southampton.
Since he debuted for the Saints, there was always that spark in him; he has always had this aura that makes you think – ‘this kid is going to make it some day’. Recently, he’s been proving exactly that.
Ward-Prowse has come on leaps and bounds these past two years, with him contributing much more to the team with assists and goals. It helps that he is one of the best dead-ball specialists not just at Saints, but also in England.
But, finally it is coming the time where he is slowly but surely reaching that potential, and I believe the upcoming 2017/18 season is pivotal to his development into one of Europe’s hottest prospects.
Why exactly will this upcoming season be the one that Ward-Prowse stars in, though?
Prowsey has proven this past season that he is able to make impacts on games – whether it’s through his set plays or through his individual brilliance. The upcoming season is a chance for Saints fans to witness that in full motion.
Why? Mauricio Pellegrino. James Ward-Prowse really seems to resemble a midfielder that would catch the eye of the recently appointed Saints manager.
He is a brilliant player but something that has, and still does, put him down is his inconsistency. I believe Pellegrino is the man to stamp that out. The Argentine is known for his integration and use of youth, and this could mean him playing even more which, ultimately, results in a more efficient development of the player. Pellegrino has all the experience in the world to really bring the best out of Ward-Prowse.
Not only is this an important campaign for the Saints academy graduate at club level though, it is a key season for his future in the England senior team.
We have seen this past year the progression of Ward-Prowse from U21’s captain to a fully-fledged England international.
2017/18 is important for Ward-Prowse, because an amazing season could really benefit him regarding his position in the England squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. His standing in the national team, at this moment, is only going to rise after great performances in the U21 European Championships recently.
The world is certainly his oyster in 2017/18, and I sincerely hope he grasps his chance with both hands.
