Much uncertainty surrounded Southampton Football Club in the late stages of June as they looked to replace Ronald Koeman but after a plethora of candidates were sounded out for the job, the board opted to appoint French tactician Claude Puel.
Since his arrival, opinions have been split. Some are massively keen on Puel and the methodologies he’s brought to the club, whereas others are pretty against the Frenchman and believe he isn’t the right man to take the club forward.
Puel came to the club with a reputation for many things. We were warned about a lot of characteristics that the ex-Nice man managed by – discipline, unwavering faith in his own ideas, the nurturing of young talent, possession-based football and lastly, the development of players.
It’s clear to see that Puel is a coach, rather than a manager as such. However, regardless of opinion on the Saints chief, one thing is for certain. He’s improved a lot of players since his move to the south coast.
So, just who are these players that have come on leaps and bounds since last season? I’ve taken a look at the top seven and ranked them.
