#PLStories- Pep Guardiola labels James Ward-Prowse as ‘best free-kick taker in the world’ #MCFC

JAMES Ward-Prowse can add another big name to his fan club – with Pep Guardiola the latest Premier League manager to claim that the Saints skipper is the best in the world at free-kicks. In his pre-match presser ahead of the game with Saints, Manchester City’s manager enthused about the ability of the Saints academy graduate, believing that the midfielder does not get enough credit for the rest of his game, stating that people focus too much on his set-piece quality. The former Barcelona and Bayern Manager also called upon the wider footballing world to “pay more attention” to the England International. Guardiola told press: “He is the best taker I have ever seen, right now in the world. No player is a better taker than Ward-Prowse. “He is so good, maybe we miss a little bit this quality of a football player. “A guy who adapts in the same position, he's a team player, great quality without the ball, with the ball, understanding the game. “Set pieces and corners is exceptional. We need to pay more attention.” Whilst Ward-Prowse is garnering plaudits for his free-kicks, the Saints captain is not just a free-kick specialist. No other player has taken more corners than Ward-Prowse in the last three seasons, whilst his record from the spot is not too shabby either – only missing one of his last seven attempts in the Premier League. In a game where Saints are expected to be on the back foot, making the most of their opportunities at set-pieces could prove vital, indicating Ward-Prowse may have a big role to play for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men. Despite City rolling into town whilst on a streak of 12 Premier League wins, Guardiola is anticipating a tough game at St Mary’s. “The quality they have, the exceptional manager,” continued Guardiola. “One of the best in the league by far. Always was a tough game, the players know it. An incredible challenge tomorrow.” The last two fixtures between the sides at St Mary’s have ended 1-0 – with both games being won with goals in the 16th minute. Their last encounter on the south coast was decided by Raheem Sterling in December 2020, whilst Che Adams’ early winner was the difference in their July 2020 meeting. Stats wise, Guardiola represents the toughest opponent Hasenhuttl has faced, with the Austrian only beating the Spaniard once in nine meetings. Guardiola has won five out of the seven contests between the pair in the Premier League, whilst Guardiola’s Bayern Munich side defeated Hasenhuttl’s Red Bull Leipzig side twice in the Bundesliga.