A number of Southampton fans have been reacting to a question posed by The Athletic reporter Dan Sheldon on Twitter as to whether Oriol Romeu should be brought straight back into the team ahead of Ibrahima Diallo following the latter’s impact at Fulham on Saturday.
Diallo was handed the chance to make his first start for the Saints in the Premier League with Romeu missing through suspension. The 21-year-old delivered an encouraging display throughout most of the contest, winning three tackles and making two interceptions, as well as maintaining an 83% passing accuracy rate. However, he also lost the ball on 13 occasions.(Sofascore)
Ralph Hasenhuttl has so far built his side around the effective midfield pairing of James Ward-Prowse and Romeu, with the duo excelling so far this term as a partnership. The former Chelsea midfielder has so far averaged 3.6 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game in his 14 Premier League appearances in 2020/21 (Sofascore).
Romeu seems likely to come straight back into the starting line-up for the visit of West Ham tomorrow, but it is a testament to the performance of Diallo that there is a debate as to whether he should keep the Spaniard out of the team.
Saints fans debate potential Ibrahima Diallo inclusion
Many Southampton fans still want Romeu to come straight back into the side and believe his physical presence and experience will prove vital against West Ham. However, plenty praised Diallo for his impact, with one fan believing he will become an ‘absolute star.’
I’ve been critical of Romeu in the past; I felt that he was often too slow in possession and find a pass, but this season he’s been sensational. He’s one of the first names on the team sheet for me.
— Tom Holland (@tomholland28) December 27, 2020
https://twitter.com/jamesalexwhite7/status/1343179477350830080?s=19
No, have the ball away too often, too weak physically and expected way too much time on the ball. Give it another 6-12 months and he should come good.
— Lee Ronan (@Lee__Ronan) December 27, 2020
Got better as the game went on but I’d start Romeu against West Ham. The Hammers are a bogey team for Saints and we will need Romeu’s added physicality
— John Crouch (@numbercroucher) December 27, 2020
JWP & Romeu have been amazing so Ralph will stick with them as first choice until Romeu or JWP drop from exceptional form, need rest, or get injured. But Diallo showed he's good enough to step in when needed, with more to come. Ralph will want points on the board above all.
— SaintOxford 💙 (@SaintOxford) December 27, 2020
Showed great promise. Romeu has been largely great this season, but sometimes his passing let's him down. Be great if they both become sensible options.
— Стіг (@crstig) December 27, 2020
He looked really comfortable on the ball. Probably the most smooth player on the pitch. Will be an absolute star. This guy will be our best player in two years time. Oriel for the next match.
— Nick Read (@Readner) December 27, 2020
More to the point, Romeu does not deserve to be dropped
— Liam Meakin (@_Sodzilla_) December 27, 2020
