West Ham should make this “superb” signing

The transfer merry-go-round has thrown up a number of names in recent weeks but one that keeps popping up on a regular basis, is the Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse..

So let’s have a look at his numbers:

He has had a tough campaign at the St. Mary’s Stadium but  produced a string of decent displays for the Saints in the middle of the park. Despite the club’s relegation, the 28-year-old did well to register ten goals and four assists in 43 matches across multiple competitions.

According to Opta, he has given a good account of himself at in the midfield by averaging 1.7 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, 1.2 clearances, 1.1 shots and 2.0 key passes per 90 minutes in Premier League football. He has  taken care of the ball when distributing possession from midfield after making 85.3% of his attempted passes .

His current contract at Southampton is set to run out in the summer of 2026. However, following the Saints’ relegation, West Ham United might have a good chance of snapping him up during this summer transfer period.

Ward-Prowse is a solid tackler and can time his challenges well to earn possession back for his team in midfield. He is usually quick to spot the danger and doesn’t mind clearing his lines .

He is also well-known set-piece specialist who can deliver some quality crosses into the opponent’s penalty box. He strike the ball with venom and precision from long range.

At 28, he has playing in his prime and is well-equipped to make an instant impact at the London Stadium, should he be enticed to join

I believe, Ward-Prowse would be a brilliant signing for West Ham to pull off this summer as he will be an ideal replacement for the soon to depart Declan Rice.

Pub quiz question: Who was the last double -barrelled surnamed player to wear the claret and blue?