Brighton have been warned to beware the Premier League’s in-form dead-ball specialist as they host Southampton on Monday night.
Boss Graham Potter is all too aware of the threat posed by Saints midfielder James Ward-Prowse.
The England international has scored three times in his last four games with superb free-kicks — and the danger does not stop there.
Potter said: ‘If you have seen Southampton recently, you can see how dangerous he is from corners and free-kicks. He’s probably the best in the league at the moment.
‘His quality is there. They have some physical, big players who can attack the ball as well.
‘Southampton have that string to their bow and they’re very good in those situations. We have to be mindful of that.’
Brighton have taken four points from their last two League games, a 2-1 win at Aston Villa and a 1-1 fightback draw with champions Liverpool.
The Saints will still be smarting from a 3-2 home defeat by Manchester United in which they led 2-0 before substitute Edinson Cavani’s late double condemned them to a first defeat in eight outings.
A win would send Southampton fifth, and that is testament to the progress they have made under Ralph Hasenhuttl.
Potter said: ‘I like them a lot. I like the way they play and what they try to do — it’s really clear and it’s a well-organised team with some really good players.
‘We know it’s going to be a really tough game.’
Potter has defender Tariq Lamptey available after a one-match ban. Neal Maupay is a doubt with a hamstring problem and Adam Lallana will not face his former team after aggravating a groin injury.