Southampton’s recruitment strategies in recent transfer windows have been rightly criticised, but amongst a host of underperforming player signed for sizable transfer fees, the success of Jan Bednarek has gone somewhat under the radar.
The defender was signed from Lech Poznan for only £5 million in 2017, making him the most-expensive ever Ekstraklasa export.
His arrival was met by little excitement, with Mario Lemina and Wesley Hoedt the other two players who came through the door in that summer, but he has proven to be a huge hit at Southampton.
Bednarek looked unconvincing under Mauricio Pellegrino but came into his own towards the end of his maiden campaign on English soil. Such was the influence of the youngster in Saints’ push for survival, he was rewarded with an involved role in Poland’s World Cup campaign.
The 2018/19 season promised to be something of a breakthrough for the defender, but a slow start hindered his progress. Mark Hughes unfathomably opted to utilise Hoedt ahead of Bednarek, and it was only until Ralph Hasenhuttl took charge that he cemented his position in the starting line-up.
Numerous blocks and well-timed interceptions helped Southampton to steer clear of the drop, and this time around, Bednarek has not let his position on the team sheet slip.
He has started in each of Saints’ Premier League games so far this season, and while the team have struggled at the back as a consequence of some individual errors and lapses in concentration, he has been consistently impressive.
Southampton have spent big money on the likes of Hoedt and Jannik Vestergaard since Bednarek joined, but neither have had anywhere near the same degree of impact as the Poland international has.
In a market that promotes exorbitant transfer fees and a culture of over-spending – one that Saints have fallen victim to often in recent years – it is rare to uncover such a bargain.
However, Southampton made an intelligent move when they wrapped up a deal for Bednarek, and what was initially perceived to be a long-term investment has also provided the team with the short-term gain of an ever-improving centre-back.
It’s certainly arguable that the 23-year-old is among the Premier League’s most underrated players, but if he continues in a similar vein of form, his efforts will not be overlooked for much longer.
