Ex-Liverpool striker Rickie Lambert has warned the Reds about his former team-mate James Ward-Prowse, who he feels has had a resurgence under Ralph Hasenhuttl and is the best free-kick taker in the league.
The Saints return to action in the Premier League this evening, when they host Liverpool at St Mary’s Stadium, as they aim to steer away from the bottom of the table.
Hasenhuttl’s men have won three out of their last five games in the league, including an impressive win over Tottenham Hotspur last month, and will want to trip up a Liverpool team pushing to win the title.
Southampton have benefited from the appointment of Hasenhuttl, who has been able to bring the best out of players like Ward-Prowse, who is on a purple patch at the moment.
The midfielder has netted three goals in his last four appearances and former Liverpool star Lambert has picked him out as a danger man ahead of the Reds' visit to the south coast.
Lambert believes Ward-Prowse always had the ability to strike the ball cleanly and feels he is now the best free-kick taker in the division.
“I think we’ve all seen the new lease of life he’s had [under Hasenhuttl]”, Lambert told LFC TV's match preview show.
“I’ve always known and he’s had the ability, especially striking the ball and expecting them to be in the goal.
“So under this manager, I think he’s been given the green light to get forward a little bit more, get involved in the shooting.
“I think he is on fire at the minute and in my opinion, he is the best free-kick taker in the league.”
Ward-Prowse will be looking to help Southampton inflict what would be a surprise defeat on Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool.
