Ward-Prowse is just one goal away from equalling David Beckham’s 18-goal free-kick record in Premier League
West Ham’s James Ward-Prowse has finally opened up closing in on a career milestone as he is just one goal away from breaking David Beckham’s free-kick record in the Premier League.
Terming the praise from Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola as “amazing”, he expressed hope that he will soon bag the record for most free-kicks — currently held by David Beckham with his 18 goals.
Ward-Prowse, who made his Saints debut as a 16-year-old in an EFL Cup tie against Crystal Palace in October 2011, has scored 17 goals on free-kicks in the Premier League — one less than Beckham.
Speaking to TNT Sports’ Sign Up – Into Football, the West Ham star — while responding to Guardiola’s remarks of being one of the best free-kick takers this century — said: “To be spoken about like that from somebody like him is amazing, considering he has coached arguably the greatest player of all time in Lionel Messi, who is not so bad at free-kicks!”
However, he added, that it is in fact “scary” to be spoken with the likes of Beckham, eurosports reported.
Recalling the English star as an “inspiration”, Ward-Prowse said that he pretended to be like the Inter Miami owner while growing up and even copied his hairstyles throughout the years.
Commenting on his free-kick prowess, he said that he hasn’t perfected the skill yet highlighting that one can perfect a particular skill by working hard.
It is pertinent to mention that Ward-Prowse — who joined Southampton at the age of eight and made 410 senior appearances while also being the captain of the club — signed with West Ham after inking a four-year contract in August this year.
