James Maddison has responded to a question during a Q&A session on his Instagram story as saying Southampton skipper, and Tottenham and Arsenal target, James Ward-Prowse is the best free-kick taker in world football.
Ward-Prowse, 27, continues to get better in a Southampton side that were somewhat mediocre last season. He had a hand in 19 goals from midfield, scoring 11 times himself and laying on eight assists in 42 league and cup appearances.
The England international netted on Saturday, too. However, it was the story of his Southampton career – scoring a lovely goal himself but ultimately, the rest of the squad could not match his performance. Spurs ran out 4-1 winners.
Tottenham, in fact, are said to be long-term admirers of Ward-Prowse and it is the same story for Arsenal. Reports state that both Tottenham and Arsenal have shown interest this summer. Maddison was asked for the best free-kick taker.
He responded with a post on his Instagram story, stating “James Ward-Prowse is the best in the world in my opinion”. David Beckham remains top of the Premier League all-time list with 18, while Ward-Prowse, still only 27, has 14.
Maddison on Arsenal and Tottenham target Ward-Prowse
It is hard to argue with Maddison’s claim, at the moment. Certainly, Maddison is up there in terms of free-kick taking with Ward-Prowse – but the Southampton ace is clearly head and shoulders above all in the Premier League.
The question mark surrounding the Southampton man, is will he remain at his boyhood club – or realise his ambition? The England man has clearly outgrown the Saints. Perhaps, with a World Cup on the horizon, he is going to stay put.
But next summer might be the time in which Ward-Prowse decides to leave the club. He will cost a pretty penny, given he has a contract on the south coast until the summer of 2026. But Southampton are a selling club.
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