U21 Player of the Year – Ryan Seager
Ryan Seager has been tearing it up in the U-21s with a league leading 16 goals. He
Also won the U-21 Premier League player of the year and lead the young Saints to a Cup victory. Saints fans should be excited to see him possibly make some first team appearances next year, go out on loan, or continue to pester U-21 defences.
Youth Academy Product of the Year – Harrison Reed
Harrison Reed I think surprised most Saints fans this season. We had heard good things about him, but his small stature for his position of defensive midfielder leads people to question his ability. He plays very aggressively though; he makes up for his lack of size with veracity on offenders and quick, aggressive tackles. He is like a ginger Marco Verrati with his positioning and play style. Reed played well in his slim four full matches, which may lead us to seeing him much more often next season, especially if the rumours surrounding Morgan Schneiderlin come to fruition.
Newcomer of the Year – Ryan Bertrand
This Champions League winner can often go unnoticed, but his first season at Southampton definitely did not slip under the radar as he was awarded a sport on the PFA team of the year. Originally a player on loan from Chelsea then bought during the January window for 10 million pounds is considered one of the bargains of the season. He was great a getting forward and playing good balls in from the wing. Saints fans are excited for the future because of his verbal commitment to the club and his great performances this season.
Best Hair – Graziano Pelle
Need I say more? Just look at it. Pelle’s hair has definitely conjured a following and has also inspired several YouTube videos with tutorials on how to perfectly capture its aurora.
Disappointment of the year – Florin Gardos
Originally bought to replace Dejan Lovren at the back, the stout Romanian only started in 5 matches and failed to fulfil the success he had back in Romania. The Saints may look to move Gardos if Toby Alderweireld ends up staying and the progression of young defenders Will Wood and Jason McCarthy remains steady.
Rodney Dangerfield Unsung Hero Award – Maya Yoshida
Maya did a terrific job as the third choice centre half, substituting seamlessly for the injury prone Alderweireld in important matches. Yoshida though never stuck out, one goal on the season and only three yellows can make him go unnoticed at times but I think I speak for most Saints fans when I say I am glad to see that the club extended his contract to 2018. He is a solid role player and a great substitute to have a handy, one of the most underrated and least talked about Saints players.
Player of the Year – Jose Fonte
The winner of our online poll, Fonte lead the second best defence in the Premier League this year and played in all games but one. If it were not for his communication and organization on the back line the Saints would have seen their tremendous goal difference (21) slowly fade. Saints fans not only love Fonte for his defensive prowess, but as well as his optimistic nature and future aspirations for the club. He recently said he was trying to convince Nathaniel Clyne and Morgan Schneiderlin to stay at the club for this upcoming year, we can only hope he is successful.
Goal of the Season – Sadio Mané (vs. Arsenal)
Mané’s goal versus Arsenal in the 2-0 victory during a crucial mid-season push showed a how much skill and potential is withheld in the Senegalese forward. After Wojeich Szczesny had committed to coming out of goal Mané controlled the ball just outside the box. He then lofted a shot that would make the goalkeeper pay for his mistake. It was perfectly weighted to land over Szczesny’s grasp and before Mertesacker could reach the ball. The goal gave Southampton a much needed confidence boost and in the process provided Szczesny a warm seat on the bench courtesy of David Ospina.
One to Watch Award– James Ward-Prowse
We all love him and we all feel sorry for the lad who cannot find the back of the net for the Saints tallying only 1 goal, which was from a penalty. Once he gets a few goals to his name in games he will grow in confidence and continue to develop as a solid midfielder and a potential call up to the England National Team may not be to far away. Especially when he can contribute a finish to a great bit of football like this:
He is truly primed for a breakout year.
