SAINTS boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has insisted his midfield pairing of Oriol Romeu and James Ward-Prowse have “blind understanding” with each other.

The two were imperious again during the 2-0 win versus Everton on Saturday, with the Spaniard named in Saints’ fan man of the match poll.

Ward-Prowse was integral to the game management during the slow start to the first-half, breaking up a significant amount of play while the Toffees were briefly on top at St Mary’s.

The Saints captain earlier had a stellar January, which saw him nominated for both the Premier League player of the month and goal of the month awards.

Daily Echo: Saints captain James Ward-Prowse (Pic: Stuart Martin)Saints captain James Ward-Prowse (Pic: Stuart Martin)

Many claim it has been Romeu’s intelligence and discipline which has helped Saints go unbeaten in their last four league contests, including star showings on the road at Tottenham and Manchester United.

Asked if there are many pairings that manager Hasenhuttl would swap his two experienced heads for, he responded: “It is blind understanding, if you want.

“Hard for Ibra (Diallo) because I have another very good six on the bench and want to give him also more gametime, and he will get it in the future again.”

He continued: “But this couple is amazing on the ball and also against the ball. Ori again today, a lot of ball wins. Very disciplined.

“They know exactly what they have to do in this position and the answer is strength. And definitely nice to watch.”

Daily Echo: James Ward-Prowse saw a decent free-kick saved by Jordan Pickford (Pic: PA)James Ward-Prowse saw a decent free-kick saved by Jordan Pickford (Pic: PA)

Providing at both ends, Romeu led a swift counterattack which allowed Che Adams and Stuart Armstrong to combine for the crucial opener versus Frank Lampard’s side.

Meanwhile, Ward-Prowse has accumulated four Premier League goals and assists each in just over the last two months.