INTERVIEW: James Ward-Prowse speaks to the Mail

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...arrister-s-son-sets-bar-high-Southampton.html


DTLW

 

I give it 12-18 months before the media are predicting his move elsewhere. Possibly even less time than a year. Depends on how well he progresses and how much of a media darling he becomes.

 

Pompey have him on the radar.

I have enjoyed watching him develop. He is tantalizingly close to getting to another level. Like Beckham, I don't see him as naturally gifted but one who will get there through commitment and hard work. DB' s a good role model. Not sure about our Stevie!

 

He puts in the miles and has the ability....just needs to start scoring so he gets more starts. It was a shame that he had an injury and now has to compete with other midfielders as Koeman experiments with different line ups. Just another challenge for Prowsie to rise to. He's certainly trusted with the media...a poster boy for our Academy.

Just don't kiss the badge, James.

 

And, incredibly, given his media exposure over the last couple of seasons, he's still only 20.

 

And looks 12.

 

Can feel Wenger opening his pre-printed (Southampton Football Club) chequebook and planning a trip down south for a chat....Nooooooooo!

 

Like the idea of a preprinted chequebook I think JWP is one who will continue to fly under the radar....he is not a Mr Flashypants. We may be the biggest club he plays for.

 

Think next year could be a very big year for our James?

 

I agree...this is when he needs to kick on...starting with one of his skippety-kicks going in today.

 

http://www.thefa.com//news/england/under-21/2015/apr/ward-prowse-buzzing-after-winning-goal-040415

Part of same interview on FA site, but also includes video of the goal.

 

Next season i'd like to see him establish a set role in midfield. At present I see him better in the Steven Davis role as the more advanced midfielder, but who knows what the squad situation will be come next season. A 3-5-2 midfield works well for him too. Don't think his future lays out wide at all

 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/fo...James-Ward-Prowse-senior-England-call-up.html
Didn't quite know where to put this as it has been mentioned elsewhere, though haven't seen the Telegraph article. Hodgson says they have been watching JWP, but knew how important he was to the U21s. He also says that Stones and Kane may be included in the u21s as they have played in the qualifying rounds, whereas Barclay (sp?) hasn't. I know both of those have players have said they want to go to the tournament in June, which reflects the great team spirit that has been said to surround the U21s under Southgate.

 

12 minutes would have been closer, he is wanted by Manchester City rumour has it?
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footb...chester-city-plotting-20million-move-5460335?

 

Yep, I posted the same Man City/£20M move elsewhere. Had quite forgotten that I'd posted the text you quoted up top. Just shows how fast things progress in the media.

 

He was recommended by scouts as a "Liverpool type player" if you read the book "The Nowhere Men" but Rodgers never took up the option.

I totally agree with the comment that Saints will be the biggest club he plays for and whilst I appreciate that he is rated by his fellow team members for his contribution to the game, I feel we are always weaker when he is in our squad. The best thing about him are his free kicks and corners but I am not sure if any of them have been assists yet. I much prefer Harrison Reed (also being tracked by Man Utd) who has a competitive edge about him and is more physically imposing. True that JWP was involved in one of the goals during the last home match but he doesn't score enough and whilst the same criticism may be levelled at Morgan, the Frenchman's over-all contribution is far more significant. he is a game changer - JWP just makes the midfield seem more lightweight. The talk of a £20 million move seem ridiculous and I just think he has been fortunate playing at a level and with players who suit him at U-21 whereas he just seems an ordinary Premiership player in my opinion. He would be very useful in the Championship yet somewhat over-praised due to the saints Academy association where the media continues to look for the latest Gareth Bale. The Man City story doesn't seem credible - he'd be overpriced at anything over than £2 - 4mill, even accounting for the fact that he has a contract. I wouldn't beat all disappointed if he was moved on especially if silly money was offered. Jack Cork was moved on but JWP isn't a fraction as good as he was last season.

I wonder if Saints fan would be pleased spending over £4 mill on JWP if we were buying him from Man City? I don't think many would be impressed. He needs to produce the goods next year and 2015/16 will be make or break, I feel. I'd gladly exchange him for Milner who seems under-appreciated at the Etihad.

 

Just as well Ronald (or Gareth Southgate), or, by your own admission, his team mates, don't share your views Ian. James will score soon, before the end of the season hopefully. He nearly had 2 on Saturday, Howard needing his second world-class save to keep out a great shot. And he is only 20 for crying out loud.

 

I can't see a team (large enough to attract him away) offering us enough money (to tempt us to let him go). He is full of potential and he knows that we are the best team for him at this stage...a shame a few other youngsters don't realise that. Hard to predict the future, but I can see him being a much loved, one team player.

 

Both MP and Ron have seen JWP as a vital part of our squad.

 

Do you remember the 20 year Morgan Schneiderlin playing in League One? He barely scored either and often didn't look great against far lower spec opposition. Your appraisal sounds scarily close to something RabbitSpectrum used to say. As Chilcs and Lamby point out though, MP and RK fortunately both feel very different.

No, he may not be a £20m player now, but at the same age, Morgan wasn't a £2m player, and look at him now.