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James Ward-Prowse 'Better At Free Kicks Than David Beckham'

James Ward-Prowse 'Better At Free Kicks Than David Beckham'

The Southampton midfielder is still way behind the Manchester United legend in most free kicks scored in the Premier League.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Theo Walcott has claimed that Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse is better at free kicks than Premier League record holder David Beckham.

Beckham is considered by most as the best free-kick taker the Premier League has ever seen and he scored 18 during his time at Manchester United.

The former England captain has six more than second on the list Thierry Henry and also holds the record for the most free kick goals in a Premier League season, with five, though that record is under threat this season.

Ward-Prowse has scored three free kicks so far this season, including one against United, to take his overall count to nine in England's top tier.

Teammate Walcott, who also played with Becks at international level, reckons the 26-year-old is now the superior set piece taker.

"After every training session I see James taking free-kicks. I just sit there and remember watching Beckham all those years ago," the on loan star told talkSPORT.

"I always thought I should have got involved with free-kicks but he was just too good. Now I see James and think, 'You're better.'

David de Gea fails to keep out Ward-Prowse's set piece. Image: PA Images
David de Gea fails to keep out Ward-Prowse's set piece. Image: PA Images

"It's just the way he adjusts his run-up and is always match-prepared. It is brilliant to watch and it is showing. He is always such a threat, especially when you have got us players running at defenders and trying to win free-kicks.

"It is almost like a penalty for him these days, a good weapon to have."

Ward-Prowse's performances for the Saints have earned him a place in Gareth Southgate's England squads recently and he's in the hunt for a place in the Euro 2020 squad next summer.

The midfielder, who has spent his whole career on the south coast to date, has also helped Ralph Hassenhutl's side rocket up the table.

Beckham on free kick duty for United. Image: PA Images
Beckham on free kick duty for United. Image: PA Images

Saints' win over Sheffield United at the weekend, coupled with a loss for Chelsea, kept them in fourth place in the table behind only Spurs, Liverpool and Leicester City.

Next up for Ward-Prowse and Walcott is a trip to the winger's former side Arsenal on Wednesday night.

Mikel Arteta's side are really struggling following their loss to Burnley on the weekend. The Gunners are 10 points behind their next opponents and are currently in 15th place and sit as close to bottom of the table as top on points.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Football News, Manchester United, David Beckham, Southampton, Premier League, James Ward-Prowse, Theo Walcott