The fog has cleared; it seems smooth waters are ahead for the Saints in the transfer market after a flurry of signings early in the window. Although most fans are expecting one or two more signings, fingers crossed for Virgil Van Dijk, no rumours seem concrete. Here is a brief summary of the summer signings and departures so far.
Southampton still have yet to release squad numbers, so one can assume that this coming week of preseason matches in Holland could have a lot of implications not only with the numbers, but who will make more appearances and play in more matches.
If we look back at last season and how Ronald lined up his side we can get an idea of what formations he likes to play and what formations are most effective with the players. Koeman seemed to switch between a 4-2-3-1 (19 matches) and a 4-3-3 (16 matches) most of the season with a few other formations being used sparsely. Here is how his side usually lined in those formations.
The 4-3-3 did much better (9-2-5) then the 4-2-3-1 (7-4-8) in matches but was used less during the second half of the season due to Tadic being injured. Southampton should look to use the formation again considering most of its integral pieces are returning. This is what Southampton could look like next season when everyone is healthy.
Goalkeeper – Fraser Forster
Although it is confirmed he will be out a significant portion of the season he still has a chance to come back around November or December. Forster’s large presence in goal and good reactions show why he was leading the league in clean sheets for most of the season and why he is currently England’s back-up goalkeeper. Fans can most likely expect Stekelenburg to fill in his absence considering Gazzaniga’s inconsistent performances and Kelvin Davis’s waning ability.
Right Back – Cedric Soares
This is a potential problem position in the upcoming campaign which is why I think the Saints bought Cuco Martina as well who can play full back. Soares has lots of potential, but from the amount I have learned from watching youtube videos and listening to Sporting CP fans on reddit I have deducted he is a mediocre defender, a bad crosser, and is a great athlete. Look for Martina to challenge Soares for this place in the starting XI.
Centre Back – Jose Fonte
The Saints rock at the back who reportedly lobbied for fellow Portuguese international Cedric to join Southampton. A big part of teams very low allowed goals and an even bigger leader. Unless Liverpool make a crazy offer for the 31-year-old this is the player that will no doubt be on the team sheet come match day one.
Centre Back – Florin Gardos
This is still a position in question, but for the time being let’s say that Koeman is content with his options at Centre back and thinks that his youth talent can be used consistently as substitutes and maybe Gardos or Yoshida have progressed enough to become regular starters. Well a year after Koeman signed Gardos he has still yet to impress, but he was given few chances. Maybe after a year of speaking the language and forming relationships with his fellow defenders he is ready to step up and become a regular on the team sheet.
Left Back – Ryan Bertrand
Bertrand had a terrific season and was arguably the best left-back in the Premier League last season. (He was on the Premier League Team of the Season) He has solidified his position after an odd career at Chelsea and will look to play in most matches in the upcoming campaign. Bertrand and Clyne flying down the wings, creating passing lanes, combination plays with the central midfielders and sweeping crosses were large parts of the teams’ success. Look for Bertrand to play most games when he returns, but for now expect the more defensive Matt Targett or Cuco Martina.
Central Midfielder – Victor Wanyama
Wanyama is primed to have the most important season of his career so far this coming season. The Saints seem to be relying on him to hold the midfield together and use his physical presence to become a tackling machine. Wanyama must make up the slack that fellow teammate Jordy Clasie fails to make up for with the absence of Morgan Schneiderlin. Wanyama’s role can be comparable to Yaya Toure and Manchester City, a midfielder who can go box to box, play in front of the defense and pass well.
Right Central Midfielder – James Ward Prowse
James Ward-Prowse is primed for a breakout year after doing it all last year (except putting into the back of net often). He impressed throughout the year; starting rumours of Manchester City interest along with other teams. Southampton look committed to developing the England international. After impressive performances throughout the year expect Ward-Prowse to the be attacking midfielder of choice for the Saints even with the return of Gaston Ramirez.
Left Central Midfielder – Jordy Clasi
Clasie is Schneiderlin’s natural replacement in the midfield. He is very aggressive and makes good passes without hesitation. Bought for only 8 million pounds the Dutch International has potential to be another steal in the transfer market.
Right Winger – Dusan Tadic
A great passer with great vision. Fans miss and pray that the creative Serbian can revive his form and perform at the level we all know he is capable of. Great moments like his goal vs. Manchester United have made him a fan favorite. Look for him to be a regular on the team sheet.
Striker/Centre Forward – Graziano Pelle
The signing of Graziano was originally questioned, but he soon answered all questions with a terrific start to the 2013-14 season. His goals were sparse towards the end of the season. Pelle played in a 38 matches last season and was the key to the Saints attack. Pelle was able to come back and receive the ball. Then use his large figure and skill to ward off defenders until help arrived and players moved up. His ability to hold up play and score goals will be very important if the Saints look to repeat the results of this past season.
Left Winger – Jay Rodriguez
As Koeman said concerning Jay’s return, “If Jay can have a good pre-season, we have a new player in our team and that is fantastic news.” I know I am not alone in looking forward to his return, but we cannot expect the world from him. With injuries like his, the longer you stay healthy the less likely another injury is. Look for Mane and Long to help supplement his return to a consistent first team player.
