Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has urged James Word-Prowse to push himself further in a bid to utilise his potential to the fullest.
Hasenhuttl inherited a squad from former manager Mark Hughes and has somewhat managed to overturn their recent fortunes. Back to back victories against Arsenal and Huddersfield had boosted their survival chances but consecutive losses against West Ham United and Manchester City has made their life difficult.
The 24 year old midfielder hasn’t been utilised much so far as he has featured in just eight games including four starts. But with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg suspended for the next match and possibly for a couple of more the midfielder is likely to be given ample chances to prove his worth.
The Saints will face another stiff test when they take on Chelsea in the new year. Hasenhuttl said, “It can be (an opportunity), absolutely.
“Because he’s a flexible player – he can play a lot of positions in the game.
“So I’m looking forward – he’s now got a big opportunity for us.
“I had a face-to-face meeting with him and told him what I think are his strengths and what are his weaknesses. I think sometimes he wasn’t hard enough and not aggressive enough in winning the ball and getting into duels and I think we saw (against City) a step forward in this manner.”
