Speaking on the Match of the Day Top 10 Podcast, Alan Shearer has claimed that James Ward-Prowse is a better set-piece taker than Matt Le Tissier was, much to the dismay of Gary Lineker.
Southampton have been blessed with two of the greatest dead-ball specialists in Premier League history in Ward-Prowse and Le Tissier, but according to Shearer, Ward-Prowse has now eclipsed ‘Le God’ for the Saints.
Lineker simply couldn’t get his head around that verdict, stating that he was absolutely shocked by Shearer’s view.
What’s been said?
Lineker was stunned after Le Tissier didn’t make Shearer’s top five of all-time great Premier League set-piece takers.
“Oh wow, I honestly thought he would be in your top two. Wow, Ward-Prowse is above Le Tissier, who would’ve thought in Southampton folklore that could have happened,” Lineker said.
“I have to ask you Alan, I am absolutely shocked that you have Ward-Prowse ahead of Le Tissier, the ones where he flicked it up and volleyed it, and he missed just one penalty out of 48 or 49? For me, Le Tissier would have been my number two behind Beckham,” Lineker added.
Close
As much as Le Tissier is an absolute Premier League legend, it has to be said that Ward-Prowse gives him a run for his money when it comes to set-plays.
Of course, nobody can rival Le Tissier when it comes to penalty kicks, but from corners and free-kicks, Ward-Prowse is right up there.
Ward-Prowse does have the fortune of playing in an era with more aerodynamic balls and increased effort when it comes to the science behind football boots, but his technique certainly rivals Le Tissier’s.
Lineker may not agree, but there’s certainly a debate to be had here.
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