Betrand and Davis. Two generations of footballers upholding places in the Southampton squad but both equally as fresh as a daisy despite 30-years-of-age now bearing down upon the latter. But roll back the years and he would still be as capable of attaining that ‘Young Player of the Year’ award.
Saints’ number 8 has certainly fulfilled his wishes to revive his career, pivotal particularly in last season’s campaign, an unsung hero. The fashion in which the midfielder goes about his work selflessly with little recognition or raves on social media perhaps means he could be considered no loss upon injury or suspension from the outset but a barrel of energy, Davis never runs out of stock despite the reassurance he provides when maintaining possession. But ask yourself how your Pelle’s and Schneiderlin’s would get on putting the icing on the cake with those beautifully controlled finishes without their teammates assistance. You can only survive on so many luxury players in a line-up, the cogs at the heart of the machine that is the Saints’ starting XI are just as important.
As for January’s permanent transfer in Bertrand, it is admirable how another unwanted Chelsea product has grafted during his impressive loan spell to maintain he is of Premier League quality and still following in the footsteps of Ashley Cole even if a little further south. I’m sure also that Koeman can justify every penny of the bargain £10m Southampton parted with. His long-term return from suspension and wealth of experience from a Champions League final debut will no doubt prove invaluable as the 25-year-old has maintained his fitness and is more than ready to fit right back into the match day squad.
His part in one of the most reputable defences of 2014/15 surely looks good on his England application form, himself and Clyne should be lining up for England next World Cup (if they can stand the cold that is). Speaking of cold, the full-back has but to bed any worries Saints faithful may have possessed in pre-season of Bertrand representative of waning quality with his ability to defend his flank through intercepting and neatly tidying up whilst venturing down it on the overlap, deliver instead to throw more bodies into the box or even half volley into the net delightfully. Another fine of example of a lost talents re-launch really epitomising our season.
