Southampton legend James Beattie insists the club would have been relegated without a specific star.
Beattie, who is one of the highest goalscorers in the club's history, has heaped praise on captain James Ward-Prowse.
The ex-England forward believes that without Ward-Prowse, who has 400 appearances for the club in his career, they would have been long relegated.
Speaking exclusively to Ladbrokes Fanzone, Beattie said: You start to think about the potential implications of relegation, and what it would mean in the next few years for the club, and for the city.
Take James Ward-Prowse, for example, he's the standout name for me who does lead - and always has led - by example. He's such a great player to have around the place, he's Southampton through and through.
When you think back to his time growing up with the club, all those years ago as a ballboy - it means so much for him.
He's constantly linked with a big transfer but time and again he's stayed, but I think you'd do well to find many who'd begrudge him of a move - especially if Southampton were to go down this season.
And his quality on the pitch, combined with the type of lad he is - a real professional - mean he'd be an asset to most Premier League teams. A lot will depend on what he wants himself, and where we're playing football next season.
I'd like to think - and I'm fairly sure, because of his personality - his priority right now is getting the team out of the current position they're in - and he's more than capable of doing exactly that.
He's won so many points - vital points - for the team over the last few years; I think you can safely say they'd be long down if it wasn't for Ward-Prowse."