Ralph Hasenhüttl described James Ward-Prowse as “the complete package” after the midfielder continued his excellent recent form with a fourth goal in eight games to help Southampton see off Fulham at St Mary’s.
Saints already led through Oriol Romeu’s first-half opener, before Ward-Prowse reacted quickest to Nathan Redmond’s parried shot to double the advantage shortly before the interval.
The Academy graduate had gone 22 games without a goal before the start of his upturn, but the boss insists the transformation is no coincidence.
“I think he shows in every game that he’s not only a hard-working guy, but he can also come into positions where he has the chance to score,” said Hasenhüttl.
“Against Arsenal he had two situations where he could score, so it’s not a coincidence that he’s scored four times – maybe he’s in a position that’s a little bit more offensive-orientated that allows him to score a little bit more.
“He’s the complete package at the moment that fits perfectly in our game.”
As pleased as Hasenhüttl was with the goals and maximum points, the clean sheet was just as satisfying.
“It was important for the guys to see it was possible to have a clean sheet,” he added.
“It was important for Gunny (Angus Gunn). It gives us a lot of trust for the last games, although against Tottenham and Man United it will be a little bit more difficult.”
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