Paul Merson has urged Aston Villa to sign Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse and stated he is ‘one of the best’ at passing the ball in midfield.
The former Holte End Hero shared that Villa Park is a ‘big pitch’ and Steven Gerrard needs someone who can get on the ball and ‘spray the ball around’, as he told Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports (02/04/22 at 2:40 pm).
Ward-Prowse is a player that is very tidy in possession, he isn’t known for his Hollywood passing, but he is very aggressive in his press and can be trusted with the ball in his defensive third and the attacking third.
Not forgetting that he is perhaps the best set-piece taker in the world, as he proved against Leeds on Saturday when he scored a stunning free-kick during Southampton’s 1-1 draw at Elland Road.
Either way, when Merson was asked where his former side should strengthen during the summer transfer window, he issued this response.
“The midfield isn’t bad,” said Merson. “I would go and try to get a Ward-Prowse. I played at Villa Park. Tim (Sherwood), he’s been the manager there as well. It’s a big pitch.
“I think you need someone who is a good passer in midfield, who can spray the ball around. I don’t think they have someone who can spray the ball around.
“I think someone like a Ward-Prowse is one of the best in the business at doing that.
“They probably need another centre-half. I am always not sure. I think Konsa is the better player, out of him and Mings, in my opinion – I would definitely say another centre-midfielder and a centre-back.”
Last summer, Villa were keen to bring Ward-Prowse’s talents to the Midlands, but they had a number of offers knocked back.
The England international, who started the Three Lions 3-0 friendly win over the Ivory Coast last week, alongside Ollie Watkins and Tyrone Mings, penned down a new contract at the club after that speculation.
Would Villa go knocking again? If they do, then others may have to leave because the club’s midfield is stacked, even if it lacks balance and consistent quality.
Whilst Ward-Prowse would improve this Villa team, it’s a defensive-minded midfielder needed.
A player with presence, aggression and nasty nature to their game that will elevate this struggling Villa side.
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