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

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

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.'

"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."

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.

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.