Contexts

In the world of football, few skills are as revered as the art of the free-kick. James Ward-Prowse, the Southampton midfielder, has been making headlines with his remarkable ability to find the back of the net from set-pieces. With his latest goal, he has now scored 17 free-kicks in the Premier League, drawing ever closer to the legendary David Beckham's record of 18. Ward-Prowse's journey has been one of dedication and hard work, a testament to his belief that with effort, any skill can be perfected. Ward-Prowse's free-kick prowess has been particularly notable in recent seasons, with 11 of his 17 goals coming in the last three campaigns. Interestingly, only four of these goals have been scored at St Mary's Stadium, while the majority, 13, have come away from home. This away form has made him the most prolific scorer of Premier League free-kicks in away matches, surpassing Beckham's tally of 11. His ability to deliver under pressure has made him a key player for Southampton, often stepping up when the team needs him most. Reflecting on his craft, Ward-Prowse shared insights into his training routine, revealing that he doesn't obsessively practice free-kicks every day. Instead, he focuses on quality over quantity, taking just six to eight shots once a week to simulate match conditions. This approach has allowed him to maintain his sharpness while avoiding burnout, proving that sometimes less is more in the pursuit of excellence. As he continues to chase Beckham's record, Ward-Prowse remains grounded, cherishing the moments that brought him to this point. With each free-kick he takes, he not only aims for the goal but also honors the dreams he had as a child, practicing in his parents' garden. The football world watches eagerly as he inches closer to etching his name in the history books alongside one of the game's greats.