You gotta admire Southampton for the constant progress they have made in the last few years despite losing their best players and managers. This summer was no exception. Ronald Koeman was lured away by cash-rich Everton and Claude Puel replaced him. Southampton lost a number of their key players like Sadio Mane, Victor Wanyama and Graziano Pelle but have managed to do pretty well.
Southampton are doing a decent job in the Premier League this term but need to improve and match their Europa League exploits. Let us take a look at how their summer arrivals have done so far at St. Mary’s.
Nathan Redmond- 7.5/10
The English winger made his move to Southampton from relegated Norwich City for a fee of around £11m. He had big shoes to fill with the departure of Sadio Mane to Liverpool and has done a pretty decent job. From 11 Premier League games this season, he has found the back of the net 3 times. With his pace and directness, the 22-year-old is a key player under Puel and marks a brilliant piece of business from Southampton.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg- 6.5/10
The Danish midfielder moved to St. Mary’s from Bayern Munich this summer in search of more playing time. Still only 21, he still has his best days well ahead of him and had a decent start to life in the Premier League. The Dane looks solid with the ball at his feet and is a good passer of the ball. He also has a big physical presence in the middle of the park. With more time on the pitch, he can be a long-term success at Southampton (unless he is poached by Liverpool, of course).
Sofiane Boufal- 6.5/10
The club-record signing of Southampton had a difficult start to life in English football due to an injury that kept him out until the last month. He has only made four appearances off the bench for the Saints so far while starting one solitary game. We can expect plenty from the ‘Next Eden Hazard’ in the future, though.
Others
Alex McCarthy- NA
Was signed to provide cover for Fraser Forster and has not played much to be rated.
Jeremy Pied- NA
The summer signing from Puel’s former club Nice is, unfortunately, out for the season with a nasty injury. A versatile player who can play as a right-back, right wing-back, and a right winger, he could have made a big impact at the club but can only blame his luck now.
