Ralph Hasenhuttl has been explaining what Jake Vokins must do to force his way into his first-team plans.
The manager was quizzed about the youngster in his pre-match press conference on Thursday and delivered an intriguing critique of the promising left-back.
Vokins regularly featured for the senior side in pre-season but has not yet been in the reckoning for a first-team debut this term.
He played for Southampton’s Under-23 side in their clash against Tottenham Hotspur on Friday, and Hasenhuttl spoke about the defender to the media on the previous afternoon.
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As reported by the club’s official website, the manager said:
I think this guy, with the ball, has good solutions; he has good speed in front and a good left foot.
He was a former offensive winger and now he’s playing the full-back position, but it’s naturally not his best one.
I think, especially in the one-on-one defensive duels, he is not that far [along] in his development. That’s why we must work on this part of his game.
But that’s normal with young players when they come to us: they show a few good things, but also things they must improve, and we’ll help them to do so.
When we feel it’s a moment to give them a chance to play, they will get this chance. When this chance comes? I don’t know.
Read Southampton’s verdict
It would have been good to see Vokins given a chance against Fulham in the Carabao Cup last month, but it’s rather clear that Hasenhuttl doesn’t think he’s quite ready.
The gaffer has shown no reluctance towards handing young players chances in the senior setup since taking charge, but he does seem currently uncertain about the young left-back’s ability at the top level.
Hopefully, Vokins can continue to develop in the Under-23 side. If he impresses, perhaps a later Carabao Cup match or an FA Cup tie will see him rewarded with his debut…
