ORIOL Romeu is full of praise for his midfield partner James Ward-Prowse, labelling Saints’ skipper as “unbelievable” after he reached 350 appearances for the club.

Former Barcelona man Romeu also believes that Ward-Prowse will “be one of the most important players” for Saints as a club.

England international Ward-Prowse reached the milestone in the win over Norwich last Friday, helping his side to a 2-0 victory where goals Che Adams and Romeu were more than enough to steer Saints past the Premier League’s bottom side.

The landmark has only been reached by 18 previous players for Saints, with Ward-Prowse well-poised to overtake legends Glenn Cockerill (358 games) and Francis Benali (359 games) before the end of the season.

Since making his debut over a decade ago against Crystal Palace in the League Cup, the 27-year-old has scored 39 goals and provided 47 assists in a Saints shirt.

Since arriving from Chelsea in 2015, Romeu has played alongside Ward-Prowse 201 times, meaning the Spaniard is more than qualified to discuss the quality his captain possesses.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Romeu said: “He is an unbelievable player, the way he works.

“He always finds a good option, he never gives the ball away, he works the hardest, he runs the longest.

“Ward-Prowse is probably going to be one of the most important players for this club.”

Milestones aside, Ward-Prowse and Romeu have been a key part of their side’s recent run of results, leaving their manager Ralph Hasenhuttl to label the pair’s connection as “blind understanding”.

The duo led the passing stats in the win over Norwich, with Romeu completing 69 passes – one behind Ward-Prowse, who found his man 70 times.

Romeu added: “It is amazing to play alongside him, and enjoy this form together.”

Saints will need Romeu and Ward-Prowse at their best again on Wednesday, when they entertain West Ham in the FA Cup fifth round.

After reaching Wembley and the semi-final stage last campaign, Saints will be hoping for another cup run this campaign.

Whilst Romeu missed last year’s defeat at Wembley to Leicester, both Ward-Prowse and Romeu played the full 90 in Saints’ last cup final, the 2017 League Cup defeat to Manchester United.