Steve Grant has claimed James Ward-Prowse’s performance against West Ham is a concern considering he’s just been awarded a big new contract at Southampton.
In the club’s most recent league fixture, the Saints captain was unable to have much influence as his side battled to a 0-0 draw at home against the Hammers.
His uninspired outing was reflected in the press as the Englishman was awarded a 6.12 rating in a BBC match report and just a six in the Daily Mail.
While discussing Ward-Prowse’s performance on the Total Saints podcast, Grant suggested the midfielder’s new contract could be a reason to be concerned with the poor showing.
He explained (09:58): “Another, kind of, almost non-existent performance from Ward-Prowse. [He] wasn’t really involved in the game at all apart from the handful of corners that we got.
“That’s a slight concern given that we’ve just given him a new contract on 100 grand a week.”
TIF thoughts on James Ward-Prowse and Southampton…
Over the summer, Ward-Prowse committed his future to the club by signing a new five-year contract with the Saints.
He certainly showed his loyalty to the side, as he could have pushed for a move elsewhere. Indeed, Aston Villa were happy to bid £25m for the Englishman.
However, it’s been a slow start to the season for Ralph Hasenhuttl and his men, with the club yet to register a win in the league so far. One loss and three draws have the south coast club sat 14th-placed in the table.
Their captain has played in every minute of the Premier League campaign so far and so must take some responsibility for the team’s tepid form.
Will Southampton get dragged into a relegation battle this season?
Yes
No
Grant seems to suggest it could be the increased wages that have affected Ward-Prowse’s performances – this theory has been levelled at Premier League players before.
However, as both player and club are still in the early stages of the season and contract, perhaps it would be wise to wait a little longer before casting any further judgements.