Burnley boss Scott Parker is willing James Ward-Prowse to break a long-standing David Beckham record as the midfielder joins Burnley on loan.
The 31-year-old has moved to Turf Moor on loan from West Ham after being unable to feature in the first team under Nuno Espirito Santo.
He joins Burnley in the relegation battle, with Parker doing his best to keep the Clarets in the Premier League against the odds.
Ward-Prowse will bring with him dead-ball skills, known as one of the best free-kick takers in the Premier League.
Only Beckham has scored more goals in the division straight from a free-kick, with 18 to Ward-Prowse’s 17, and Parker will be hoping to see that record plummet by the end of the season.
“Let’s hope he breaks that!” Parker said when informed of the record. ‘I think we’ve seen it for many, many years – in and around the edge of the penalty area, his shot from wide areas, from angles too, it’s an absolutely huge, huge threat.
‘His quality in and around the edge of the penalty area, to get a ball up and down quickly, to beat goalkeepers, is probably world class in terms of set-pieces. Hopefully he can break that record with us, because that would mean that one has gone in!’
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Parker backed the England international as much more than just someone who can rifle in free-kicks.
“I think it would be very unfair of me to just compliment James’ ability to make set plays,” the Burnley boss said. ‘He brings an all-round game. But he will certainly add something to us in that area where it’s clear that side of the game has actually gone up tenfold in the last 18 months.
“He is an incredible professional who has looked spot on in every test he has done for us since he came in. But match speed and match pace may be lacking.’
Most direct free kicks in the Premier League
- David Beckham – 18
- James Ward-Prowse – 17
- Thierry Henry, Gianfranco Zola, Cristiano Ronaldo – 12
- Laurent Robert, Sebastian Larsson – 11
- Ian Harte, Morten Gamst Pedersen – 10
Ward-Prowse was quickly won over by Parker when he spoke to the Clarets manager and is ready to get involved, starting with Sunderland away on Monday evening.
“I was very impressed with the way he came across, how he delivered the messages about the objectives, which I think is clear to everyone,” the newcomer said of Parker.
“Just the opportunity to come here and show people what I can do. “I certainly feel I have the quality and experience to hopefully help the group in the best possible way and achieve the goal of staying in the Premier League.”
He added: “I’ve been used to playing consistently and a lot throughout my career. So it was disappointing and challenging in many ways to have been without the game for a while.
“But I think it gave me a chance to reflect on myself and work on a few things. It almost made my love for the game even greater. I’m looking forward to playing again and hopefully helping the team in the best way possible.”
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