Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse has established himself as one of the best players in Europe when it comes to dead-ball situations, so there was a lot of surprise when he delivered one of the worst penalty attempts ever seen.
The Saints were playing a friendly match against Turkish side Goztepe, and were 1-0 down in the second half when Ward-Prowse stepped up to take a spot-kick.
Given that he is one of the best free-kick takers in Premier League history, the ball was expected to hit the back of the net. However, the England international slipped as he was about to make contact, and his effort nearly departed the ground.
The 28-year-old looked bewildered following his attempt, and whilst it was a friendly match, he will be glad that his side managed to rescue a 1-1 draw.
What next for Ward-Prowse?
The captain is expected to leave following the Saints’ relegation from the Premier League, and there is strong interest from West Ham United, who want to replace Declan Rice.
Ward-Prowse has remained professional throughout the process and is training with the team during this pre-season campaign under new manager Russell Martin, but this penalty was not one of his finest moments.
The midfielder has made 409 appearances since graduating through the youth academy, and with 108 goals and assists in that time, he will go down as one of Southampton’s best-ever players.
He will hope to join a Premier League side where he can play regularly, and force himself into Gareth Southgate’s plans for Euro 2024 next summer, and it seems that he is unlikely to come into international consideration should he remain in the Championship next season.
He is renowned for his delivery from set-pieces, and his scoring ability from free-kicks in particular, and aside from this penalty miss, he will be a useful asset to whichever team can secure his signature.