For the second successive season, Southampton were somewhat fortunate to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
However, this year, the mood is far different. Ralph Hasenhuttl has inspired the supporters to believe in the team once again, and the prospect of a first full campaign under the Austrian is one that many rightly relish.
The manager will take charge of his maiden pre-season in charge of the Saints this summer, and it is set to be an intriguing one.
Southampton will have players returning from loan spells across Europe whose futures are still in question, while those who failed to impress in the 2018/19 campaign will hope to have a clean slate to prove their worth to Hasenhuttl.
For many, though, whose respective upturns in form last season were synonymous with the arrival of the manager, it will be a case of picking up where they left off.
Without further ado, join us as we identify six Southampton players who simply must stake their claims in pre-season this year.
Mohamed Elyounoussi
Elyounoussi’s disastrous maiden campaign on English soil must be put behind him. He is currently considered a flop following his failure to amass a goal nor an assist in 16 Premier League outings. With a strong pre-season, he could yet feature in Hasenhuttl’s plans.
Mario Lemina
Lemina missed swathes of last season as a consequence of an abdominal injury. The former Juventus midfielder is gifted and vivacious, but he must display his quality in front of the boss in pre-season.
Sofiane Boufal
Should Boufal return for pre-season following his loan at Celta Vigo, he has a task on his hands. Blessed with undeniable natural talent and technical quality, he must prove to Hasenhuttl that he has the mentality and attitude to match his ability.
Josh Sims
Sims appeared dangerous in transient spells towards the conclusion of last season. He is more effective off the bench, and with Moussa Djenepo through the door, competition for places in the wide berths will be fierce. The youngster must show why he deserves a chance for the 2019/20 campaign.
Stuart Armstrong
Armstrong was Southampton’s best player last pre-season but proceeded to unassumingly glide through the campaign, turning in solid if unspectacular performances. He has the makings of a useful option for Hasenhuttl, but he must display greater creative influence and start well.
Danny Ings
Ings has little to prove but his fitness. He is a quality technician and is among the club’s most intelligent players. However, with Southampton likely to recruit a new striker, he will need to prove to Hasenhuttl just why he is still the man to lead the line for the Saints.