Premier League team performance: Southampton, led by Ward-Prowse, face a fight for salvation

Southampton will probably have to fight for salvation in the new season. In the 4-3-3 and 4-2-2 formation we will find a number of very interesting players, but also some variables. What kind of squad will Saints go into the league with?

The management team

When Ralph Hasenhüttl stood tall in Southampton’s 0:9 loss to Leicester in October 2019, many shook their heads. But over the following year and a half, the Austrian coach won the fans over to his side.

He puts emotion into his games, even crying on the pitch after the win over Liverpool the season before last. The players believe in him, so do the fans. The perfect scenario!

Goalkeeper

Southampton have had quite a few problems in goal in recent years. That’s one of the reasons why he brought in the talented Irishman Gavin Bazun from Manchester City, but on the other hand he has no Premier League experience.

The experienced Alex McCarthy will be preferred at least initially, how long will depend on performances.

Defenders

Southampton’s defence is quite strong. Romain Perraud has proven himself on the left side after his transfer, and on the right side Kyle Walker-Peters has shone for several years. He’s even made the England national team.

In the centre of defence, experienced Polish international Jan Bednarek operates, who worked well with Mohamed Salisu last year. Experience and youth fit together, especially as Salisu improved.

There are plenty of alternatives, the talented Tino Livramento on the fringes, who last year was one of the best runners in the league. At stopper, Lyanco, Armel Bella-Kotchap and the experienced Jack Stephens will fill in if needed.

Midfielders

There is plenty to choose from in the midfield as well. The role of the six will be filled by the reliable worker Oriol Romeu, who will not run away from any duel. Stuart Armstrong is expected to play in front of him. He doesn’t have good numbers for an offensive midfielder, but Hasenhüttl doesn’t have a better ten.

James Ward-Prowse needs little introduction. The heart of the team, the leader, the captain, the best direct kicker. As a Southampton player, he’s a steady member of the Albion squad. Who can say?

There will be youngsters on the bench ready to go. Twenty-three year old Ibrahima Diallo and eighteen year old Roméo Lavia are defensive midfielders, while summer signing Joe Aribo has developed into an excellent eight at Rangers.

Forwards

Attack is definitely not the team’s biggest weapon. The left wing should belong to Norwegian international Mohamed Elyounoussi, while Scottish hitman Che Adams will operate at the tip of the offensive line.

The right wing is a problem. There is no quality player for this position, veteran Theo Walcott has his best years behind him, Moussa Djenepo is not productive and is better suited to wing-back, Nathan Redmond has been struggling with injuries for the last few years.

Adams may be replaced at full-back by Adam Armstrong, who failed to confirm his shooting potential from Blackburn last year. The talented Sékou Mara will also pick up minutes.

Ideal lineup:

McCarthy
Walker-Peters- Salisu – Bednarek – Perraud
Romeu – Ward-Prowse – S. Armstrong
Redmond – Adams – Elyonoussi

Location tip:: 16th place

Source: Southampton FC