JAMES Ward-Prowse has revealed that his footballing New Year’s resolution is simply to add more goals to his game, despite “a lot on defensive work and the pressing,” in Saints’ current system.

The academy graduate and club captain has scored in three successive Premier League matches for the first time since March 2019, with the third coming against Tottenham Hotspur on both occasions.

England international Ward-Prowse completed the treble with a strike from each of a trademark free-kick, a penalty and his first of the campaign from open play.

The 27-year-old brought his total for the season up to five with a stunning half-volley in the 1-1 draw with Spurs – which makes him just three off his best total (eight, in 2020-21) at the halfway point.

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“I think to score more goals,” Ward-Prowse responded, when asked by the Daily Echo what he wants to bring in 2022.

Daily Echo: James Ward-Prowse opens the scoring versus Tottenham Hotspur (Pic: PA)James Ward-Prowse opens the scoring versus Tottenham Hotspur (Pic: PA)

“In our system and our shape there’s a lot on defensive work and the pressing side of the game.

“But I think that I’ve always wanted to score more goals, and of course the free-kicks are brilliant, but I feel I can contribute more goals from open play and have the buzz to get into the box more and contribute that way.”

Ward-Prowse’s first goal from open play this season came while playing in a 5-3-2 formation, perhaps feeling that the defensive solidity offered by the extra man allowed him the license to explore.

That being said, it also came from a Mohammed Salisu throw-in – so perhaps any effect extrapolated from that switch would be exaggerated.

For Ward-Prowse on an individual level, 2021 has been a year of high highs and lower lows.

Daily Echo: James Ward-Prowse scored a rebound of his penalty in Andorra (Pic: PA)James Ward-Prowse scored a rebound of his penalty in Andorra (Pic: PA)

The midfielder fully stamped his reputation as one of the most dangerous free-kick takers the Premier League has seen, posted his best numbers in goals and assists and was awarded a brand-new contract at St Mary’s that secures his and his family’s future until at least 2026.

He received a ninth England cap under manager Gareth Southgate and lifted his international account to two, with a notch in Andorra. His stock has probably been as high as it’s ever been.

But in the same breath, missing out on what became an historic European Championships run – in our own country – with the Three Lions by the skin of his teeth leaves a scar unprecedented in Ward-Prowse’s career.

Daily Echo: England reached a first international final since 1966, before penalty defeat to Italy at Wembley (Pic: PA)England reached a first international final since 1966, before penalty defeat to Italy at Wembley (Pic: PA)

The mental challenge then became a physical one, with the ace battling a rare knee injury and illness to maintain his record of playing every Premier League minute for over two seasons. That run ended with only his second league red card at Stamford Bridge.

Good will from Southgate, putting his arm around Ward-Prowse and selecting him for the October England squad despite the downturn in form was what, no doubt, helped pull him from that slump.

Daily Echo: James Ward-Prowse has kept himself within touch of the England reckoning (Pic: PA)James Ward-Prowse has kept himself within touch of the England reckoning (Pic: PA)

“I think a really successful and exciting year,” Ward-Prowse said, reflecting on his 2021.

“We have some very successful moments but equally some tough challenges along the way, that’s what it is all about.”

He continued: “Constant up and downs and the challenges that come with it – I’ve enjoyed every minute and learnt a lot along the way.

“It’s given me more hunger for the next year to be better and get through those challenges even more.”