Glenn Hoddle thinks James Ward-Prowse could be ‘major asset’ for Saints’ Premier League rivals

Former Southampton manager Glenn Hoddle believes that Saints midfielder James Ward-Prowse could be a ‘major asset’ for Premier League rivals such as Tottenham and Everton to consider signing.

Ward-Prowse is enjoying a brilliant start to the campaign on a personal level, with four goals and three assists in 15 Premier League appearances (Sofascore), mainly thanks to his quality from dead ball situations. That has seen him lauded as ‘unbelievable’ by Darren Ambrose and described by Pep Guardiola as the best free kick taker he has ever seen.

The 26-year-old is integral to Southampton’s midfield and general style of play, and not just an effective weapon from set pieces. Ward-Prowse has averaged an impressive 1.1 shots, 1.7 key passes, 1.3 interceptions and 2.2 tackles per game this season (Sofascore), illustrating that he has developed into a quality all-round midfielder for the Saints.

Speaking on The Glenn Hoddle Footy Show Podcast [via Midnight Productions], the 63-year-old suggested that Ward-Prowse is the type of player on whom both Tottenham and Everton should be keeping a watchful eye, believing the midfielder could handle the pressure of playing for either club. Hoddle said of the 26-year-old:

I think his all-round game has come on leaps and bounds, but as a set piece artist there is no-one better

He’d be a major asset for Tottenham, for instance. Or he could go and play in Everton’s team tomorrow.

Whether he has the mentality, you don’t know until he goes to a big club. But he’s been in and around the England squad and I think he’s growing as a player.

Read Southampton verdict

It seemed only a matter of time before Ward-Prowse would start to get touted for a move to a bigger club and the Saints will have to be prepared for potential interest in the 26-year-old, such has been his form at the start of the season. The midfielder has become very consistent in his performances and Ralph Hasenhuttl is getting the very best out of him.

Ward-Prowse’s set piece ability makes him a standout player and one who could be of interest to many other teams, but it is also important to highlight the other qualities he brings to the Saints with his infectious energy helping them press opponents higher up the pitch and his passing ability crucial for getting Southampton going in attack.

The Saints cannot really afford to lose him and he would be very costly to replace. Therefore, it would be a surprise to see him leave in January at least, but the likes of Tottenham and Everton could potentially consider testing Southampton’s resolve to keep hold of him in the summer.