Ronald Koeman plays down James Ward-Prowse comparisons to David Beckham

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has dismissed comparisons between James Ward-Prowse and David Beckham.

The 19-year-old has impressed at England Under-21 level and has made 50 appearances for the club after coming through the youth system.

Koeman told reporters: "Ward-Prowse is a great player and I told him this week he had a big future, but comparing him to Beckham puts a lot of pressure on the boy because Beckham was an amazing player.

"He's already played a lot of matches in the first team and is a boy from the academy."

Ward-Prowse won Goal of the Tournament at the 2014 Toulon Tournament in France as England Under-21s finished fourth.