
James Ward-Prowse is a key figure in the Southampton midfield.
3. James Ward-Prowse
A product of Southampton’s well-regarded academy, Ward-Prowse has made 232 Premier League appearances for the Saints at 25. He also has four England caps. Listed as a defensive midfielder, he is also capable of popping up with a goal.
Last season, he scored five times in the league, including one from the penalty spot as well as two from direct free-kicks, according to the Premier League, he also had three assists in the same period.
Those five goals, would have made him Everton’s third leading scorer as well as the top midfield marksman. However, it’s his defensive work that will likely be more important against an Everton midfield that seems reborn.
With the departure of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, the Saints’ captain will undertake even more responsibility. He will have to be all over the midfield and he can do that as Premier League stats, show he covered 441 kilometres last season.
Ward-Prowse will probably have to rely on more than his demonstrated athleticism as he will face an Everton midfield full of tenacity and guile.
The Saints’ captain has shown solid performances in the middle of the pitch. His stats for last season show he has won 52 percent of his tackles and he is aggressive in going after the ball. He had 249 recoveries and 60 interceptions, according to the official website of the Premier League.
Which Southampton player should Everton be most alert about?