Garth Crooks has told his BBC Sport Team of the Week that Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse is the “perfect replacement” for Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson. Ward-Prowse scored twice, on Sunday.
The 10-time England international is enjoying probably his best season at Southampton, clocking up a huge 17 goal involvements in 38 appearances for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men. Scoring 10, he has also laid on seven assists.
Meanwhile, Liverpool star Henderson remains crucial to the Reds. He turns 32 this summer, though, and while he has a contract until 2025, his part in the starting XI may begin to reduce over time. A replacement is needed.
That is, with James Milner expected to go and Henderson to fill that squad player, leader from the bench, type role. Ward-Prowse and Henderson both share that leadership, driving from the front way of playing in midfield.
It is unclear how much Southampton would want for their most-prized asset. But he has a contract until 2025, meaning the ball is in their court. Steven Gerrard branded Ward-Prowse a “great player” earlier this term.
Ward-Prowse in, Henderson out: Good business by Liverpool?
Henderson is pivotal to Liverpool. He does not need to start, but his presence in the squad is crucial to Jurgen Klopp’s side competing at the top end of the Premier League, and reaching the latter stages of tournaments.
He is a proper captain – with 440 appearances under his belt at Anfield. But the Reds do need a midfielder signing, with Milner going, Gini Wijnaldum going last summer, and two current stars out of contract in 2023.
Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain see their deals run out in little over 12 months – meaning they could be sold. So, Liverpool need a midfielder and Ward-Prowse would be absolutely perfect for the Reds.
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