Hughes prepared to use Bednarek against Chelsea
Southampton boss Mark Hughes has insisted that he is prepared to give Jan Bednarek his first Premier League start against Chelsea.
Hughes is not blessed with many options in central defence at the moment following Jack Stephens’ red card at Arsenal. The defender has been handed a three-game ban, therefore the only established centre-backs at Hughes’ disposal are Wesley Hoedt and Maya Yoshida.
However the Welshman, as quoted by the club’s official website, insisted that he would be willing to hand Bednarek his first ever outing in the Premier League following his move from Lech Poznan in the summer.
I’m grateful for the options that we’ve got even if continuity is key at this stage of the season. Jan has played at a good level in Poland in front of big crowds so going out there with pressure to perform is nothing new to him. If I decide that he’s the best option then I’d have no qualms with putting him in.
Bednarek has played only twice for Saints at senior level, with both games coming in the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup respectively.
Hughes lined up with five across the back against Arsenal and was evidently happy with what he saw from his team. The Saints boss is keen to establish continuity in the system and therefore could be forced to use Bednarek if he is to utilise a similar formation for the game against Chelsea.
The absence of Jack has affected our plans, we worked very hard on that system before Arsenal. I’ve got some decisions to make whether we go like for like with a younger player like Jan Bednarek or change things around and revert to a four-man defence.
Bednarek joined for £5m as Saints’ first summer signing last year and has since gone on to represent Poland at a senior level.