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2016/17 Southampton season review: Oriol Romeu

By Chris Hughes

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 26: Jesse Lingard of Manchester United and Oriol Romeu of Southampton jump for the ball during the EFL Cup Final match between Manchester United and Southampton at Wembley Stadium on February 26, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 26: Jesse Lingard of Manchester United and Oriol Romeu of Southampton jump for the ball during the EFL Cup Final match between Manchester United and Southampton at Wembley Stadium on February 26, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
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Oriol Romeu had quite the 2016/17 season, and the Spaniard received all the recognition he deserved for his efforts.

The former Chelsea man went into the season hoping to come out from the shadow of the departing Victor Wanyama, who had outshone Romeu in the latter’s first season at the club.

However with the Kenyan having left to join Tottenham Hotspur, Romeu came out of the darkness and into the spotlight, and eight months later he was named Southampton’s Player of the Season by both the fans and the players themselves.

Whether he sat at the bottom of the diamond on his own or partnered Steven Davis in a five-man midfield, Romeu starred as arguably Southampton’s stand-out player, something emphasised even more in the second half of the season.

This was because despite Jose Fonte’s departure and Virgil van Dijk’s injury, Southampton remained disciplined on defense with Maya Yoshida and Jack Stephens at the helm. This was because of the fantastic defensive work done by the 25-year-old in front of them.

Romeu scored just a single goal in the whole season, against former employers Chelsea. Despite this he remained influential and won around 2.1 aerial duels a game, with his physicality potentially matching his former partner in Wanyama.

As a result the Spaniard has been loosely linked with a move back to Barcelona, but rumours have failed to gain much pace due to the wealth of midfielders already at the Catalan giants’ disposal.

Next: Transfer rumours: van Dijk, Clasie, Gallagher

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MAY 07: Claude Puel, Manager of Southampton shakes hands with Oriol Romeu of Southampton after the Premier League match between Liverpool and Southampton at Anfield on May 7, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MAY 07: Claude Puel, Manager of Southampton shakes hands with Oriol Romeu of Southampton after the Premier League match between Liverpool and Southampton at Anfield on May 7, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /

Impressive numbers

Romeu’s aerial duel statistic isn’t the only stellar defensive stat he has to his name, with the former Chelsea man having made 3.3 tackles and 2.5 interceptions per game as well. That comes without mentioning 1.9 clearances and 0.4 blocks he added to his stat-line as well.

However despite this he was the most-booked player on the Saints’ books this season with 11 yellows, something that comes with making nearly two fouls per game.

However he was also immensely successful with carrying the ball at his own feet with good dribbling numbers, coupled with a passing success over 84 percent. His ability on the ball is arguably what makes him a different type of defensive-midfielder to Wanyama or Morgan Schneiderlin.

With that in mind his aggressive style of play and high yellow card tally doesn’t seem a concern to the club’s supporters, with his preference to get in stuck in instead welcomed by the fans.

Winning both Player of the Season awards shows how highly both the fans and his teammates rate his ability among the team, especially when we signed him for only £5-6 million.

My verdict

I think Romeu has been fantastic this season, and if Virgil van Dijk does leave I think he has a big shout to be our next team captain.

Without VVD in the side Romeu took a lot of defensive responsibility on his shoulders in protecting the back four and he’s thrived. I look forward to seeing what kind of impact he can have next season. I have to give him a ten.

Oriol Romeu: 10/10