Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl says that James Ward-Prowse’s versatility could be the key to him earning an England call-up.
Hasenhuttl says it is good for Gareth Southgate to see that Ward-Prowse can play in multiple positions.
This came after Ward-Prowse impressed at right-back against Aston Villa at the weekend in Southampton’s 2-0 win.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Hasenhuttl said:
I think if you’re Gareth Southgate and you know this player then it’s even better to see that he can play in more positions.
He’s a very flexible player. His obvious qualities you know, especially his free-kicks, but also in the defence work he is one of the most consistent guys. There are so many good players in England. It’s good that it’s not me to decide it.
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Ward-Prowse can play in central midfield, holding midfield, right-back and on the right-wing. This versatility could help him earn an England call-up, as Hasenhuttl says, as it shows that he can be an option in a variety of positions for Southgate.
It means that Southgate could use him to plug multiple gaps in his squad depth, allowing Ward-Prowse to act as cover in the event of injuries.
The Englishman has recorded a WhoScored rating of 7.08 for Southampton in the Premier League, which is the highest in the Saints squad – mainly coming as a central midfielder. However, he managed an impressive rating of 7.6 at right-back against Villa, which shows that he can produce good performances in several positions.
