Ronald Koeman has revealed the reason that some of Southampton’s academy players haven’t been given a chance this season is simply because they aren’t good enough.
The Dutchman went to watch Saints’ under-21’s first game back in the under 21 Premier League Cup; the cup that Southampton’s team, featuring the likes of Jason McCarthy, Harrison Reed and Matt Targett had won just last season.
Koeman was not pleased with what he saw and despite the result, he spoke of his disapproval.
I wasn’t impressed, no I look to the development of young players and still they have to learn a lot and [they are] still not on the level what you need for Premier League.
But that’s young players, they need time, it’s more difficult to come in the first-team of Southampton than it was four years ago.
On a more positive note, he did state that three of the academy starlets were close to the first team and know what the level is to play in the Premier League.
We are looking to the individual development of young players and, of course, Ryan Seager scored a goal. He didn’t start well in the game, but he scored very good goal.
He’s one of the players who did also some training session with the first-team and to know what the level is to play in the first team. The players that play, Matthew Targett, he is ready to play in the first-team but he’s a little bit unlucky because in front of him is Ryan Bertrand. It is an English international player, but he will come, Matthew, I don’t have doubts about that. Harrison Reed is close to the first-team.
Could these comments mean a first start of the season for the young, tenacious midfielder on Saturday?
