Southampton’s academy has always been liable to produce the occasional star, with the likes of Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott and Alan Shearer all going on to achieve impressive feats across their various careers having come through their ranks.

Few stick around at St Mary’s for long, but someone who has, and seems to be planning to for the foreseeable future is James Ward-Prowse.

The academy graduate has matured into a fine midfielder, with the 27-year-old now the official club captain.

His importance is such that when Newcastle United came calling for him this summer, the Magpies were quoted at an astounding £75m for his services by CEO Martin Semmens and his staff.

He is their prized asset, and no amount of money can account for what he brings to the side. This does mark an incredible up-shoot in value, considering as a graduate he cost them nothing.

Across 372 appearances for the club, the maestro has scored 45 times and assisted a further 49.

He has earned a fierce reputation across the Premier League for being one of the best players in the world over a dead ball. His free kicks could trouble any goalkeeper, whilst his crossing set pieces too are hit with remarkable accuracy and power.

There is great optimism on the south coast that he will soon break the record for most free kicks ever scored in the league, which stands at David Beckham's 18.

Ward-Prowse, at just 27, sat only four behind that mark as of April this year.

In fact, Andy Kerr noted him as part of a group of “outstanding free kick takers” that England have at their disposal.

His caps for the national side will certainly have aided in the ludicrous price tag quoted earlier, as he has featured 11 times and seems in a good position to make the squad for the upcoming World Cup.

Whilst the likes of Bale went on to win numerous Champions Leagues, and Shearer smashed the all-time goal-scoring record in the league, it is likely that when their respective careers come to an end, Ward-Prowse will be thought of in the highest regard by Saints fans.

To stick around despite constant links to larger clubs marks his loyalty to maintaining Southampton’s Premier League status, and if their youthful summer signings can click in the next few years, he could lead them to something really special as their captain.