Burnley Manager Backs Ward-Prowse to Surpass Beckham's Free-Kick Milestone
Burnley manager Scott Parker has publicly encouraged his new midfield signing James Ward-Prowse to break David Beckham's long-standing Premier League free-kick record. The 31-year-old midfielder has joined Burnley on loan from West Ham United after being excluded from first-team action under Nuno Espirito Santo at his parent club.
A Crucial Addition to Burnley's Relegation Battle
Ward-Prowse arrives at Turf Moor as Burnley fight to maintain their Premier League status against considerable odds. Parker is banking on the midfielder's renowned set-piece expertise to provide a crucial edge in their survival campaign. The England international brings a reputation as one of the division's most dangerous dead-ball specialists, with only Beckham having scored more direct free-kick goals in Premier League history.
The current standings show Beckham with 18 direct free-kick goals, while Ward-Prowse sits just one behind on 17. Parker expressed his hope that this gap will close during Ward-Prowse's time with Burnley. "Let's hope he breaks that!" the manager declared when reminded of the record. "I think we've seen it over many, many years—in and around the edge of the box, his delivery from wide areas, corners as well, it's an absolutely huge, huge threat."
More Than Just Set-Piece Prowess
Parker was quick to emphasize that Ward-Prowse offers far more than just free-kick expertise. "I think it would be really unfair of me to only compliment James's ability to take set-plays," Parker explained. "He brings an all-round game. But for sure he will give us an added something in that area where it's clear that over the last 18 months, that side of the game has gone up ten-fold really."
The Burnley boss praised Ward-Prowse's professionalism and fitness levels, though he acknowledged match sharpness might need development after the player's recent absence from regular football. "He's an incredible professional who in every test he's done with us since he's come in has been right up there," Parker noted. "But match speed and match tempo might be something that is missing."
Ward-Prowse Eager to Prove His Worth
The midfielder himself expressed enthusiasm about joining Burnley's survival mission, revealing that Parker's vision convinced him to make the move. "I was really impressed with how he came across, how he delivered the messages about the objectives, which I think is clear for everybody to see," Ward-Prowse said of his new manager.
"Just the chance to come here to show people what I can do. I certainly feel as though I have the quality and experience to hopefully help the group in the best way possible, and to achieve the goal of staying in the Premier League."
Reflecting on his recent spell out of regular football, Ward-Prowse added: "I've been used to throughout my career playing consistently and playing a lot. So, to have had a bit of a period away from the game if you like was disappointing and challenging in many ways. But I think it gave me a chance to reflect on myself and to work on a few things. It's almost made my love for the game grow even more. I'm eager to get back playing and hopefully help the team in the best way possible."
Premier League's Free-Kick Elite
The competition for direct free-kick goals in Premier League history features some illustrious names:
- David Beckham – 18 goals
- James Ward-Prowse – 17 goals
- Thierry Henry, Gianfranco Zola, Cristiano Ronaldo – 12 goals
- Laurent Robert, Sebastian Larsson – 11 goals
- Ian Harte, Morten Gamst Pedersen – 10 goals
Ward-Prowse could make his Burnley debut as soon as Monday night when the Clarets travel to face Sunderland, with Parker hoping his new signing can immediately begin challenging Beckham's record while helping secure vital points in their relegation battle.
