Ward-Prowse praises Puel’s Saints philosophy

Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse is relishing playing under Claude Puel at St Mary’s, insisting the Frenchman’s possession-based philosophy suits him down to a tee.

The 21-year-old has made eight appearances this season for the Saints, and hit his first goal of the season in last month’s 3-0 away win over West Ham.

The England Under-21 international also boasts an impressive 88.5% pass success rate, and is thrilled with how his game has developed since Puel’s arrival on the south coast in June.

“He is very detailed and very passionate. He want us to do well and on the touchline he is very demanding. He has put in place the philosophy that he believes in,” said Ward-Prowse.

“I think it is a lot more possession based. We look to have more of the ball and the way we press is slightly different so it’s a case of working on that in training and putting that into practice in the matches.

“He is always stopping training and giving you advice. With the possession element too as a midfielder it does mean you will probably see more of the ball, which is good.

“He joins in during training and has scored a few goals which is always good to see. Often it ends up with the team he isn’t on, winning the games in training!”

(Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)

And as one of several Academy graduates finding their feet in the Southampton first team, Ward-Prowse is delighted with how Puel has embraced the club’s long-standing ethos.

“Claude made it clear on the first day that he was here, that the pathway is there for young players and they just have to come on and impress when they can,” he said.

“To see that the club is continuing to do that is great. It’s an ethos that the club has had and something that we need to continue.

“It has brought a lot of success on the pitch and it’s great to have other academy products out on the pitch with me.”