Like every other season, Southampton had an eventful summer ahead of the campaign. Claude Puel was brought in to replace departed Ronald Koeman who joined Everton while the likes of Sadio Mane, Graziano Pelle, and Victor Wanyama moved out. The Saints had a decent start to their Premier League campaign but had more joy so far in their first ever Europa League campaign.
For a team that finished eighth, seventh and sixth in the last three seasons respectively, Southampton had an underwhelming start to the Premier League campaign. There is room for improvement at St. Mary’s and the Saints need to pick up their game soon. Let’s take a look at the stars and the duds from Southampton so far this season.
Stars
Charlie Austin
The English striker moved to Southampton in January but did not have a good start to life at the South Coast club. It was widely thought that he would be the third-choice striker this season after Shane Long and Jay Rodriguez but the English forward has made his way up through the pecking order. Eight goals from 14 games in all competitions- Austin’s statistics this season are quite impressive.
Nathan Redmond
The English winger was brought in by Southampton from relegated side Norwich City. The 22-year-old has been is in a sparkling form for the Saints this campaign having started all their 11 Premier League games. Puel has mostly used the agile winger up front this season in a two-man attack and Redmond has impressed. 3 goals from 11 games, 88.6% passing accuracy, 2.6 shots per game, 2.1 key passes every game- Redmond’s figures this season speak for his amazing form.
Oriol Romeu
The Spanish midfielder has been in scintillating form for the Saints this season at the base of midfield. He makes Claude Puel’s side tick with his defensive abilities, passing range and dictating the tempo of the game from deep. Romeu has registered an impressive passing accuracy of 88.8% this season while making 3 tackles, 2.6 interceptions and playing 2.4 long range passes every game.
Duds
Jordy Clasie
Was so much talked about before his move to Southampton from Feyenoord. The so-called ‘Dutch Xavi’ hasn’t lit the stage on fire at England so far and this season has not been anything special too.
Jay Rodriguez
Has scored just twice so far from nine games in all competitions. 70.7% passing accuracy, just 1.4 aerials won every game, 0.3 key passes every game- the Englishman’s stats has been pretty poor this season. His long injury troubles mean that he needs more time that normal to show his past form, but the fans will be hoping he gets there sooner.
Shane Long
Long finished the last season on a superb note and started this season the first-choice striker at St. Mary’s with the departure of Pelle. However, the Irishman has been nothing but dismal this season. He is yet to open his account after 11 games in all competitions in a Southampton jersey.
