Saints Marching
Fansided

Five takeaways from the Brentford vs Southampton friendly

By Nikos Lemanis

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - JANUARY 07: Supporters make their way to the stadium prior to the Emirates FA Cup third round match between Brentford and Eastleigh FC at Griffin Park on January 7, 2017 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - JANUARY 07: Supporters make their way to the stadium prior to the Emirates FA Cup third round match between Brentford and Eastleigh FC at Griffin Park on January 7, 2017 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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BRENTFORD, ENGLAND – JULY 22: Lasse Vibe of Brentford is tackled by Maya Yoshida of Southampton during the Pre Season Friendly match between Brentford and Southampton at Griffin Park on July 22, 2017 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND – JULY 22: Lasse Vibe of Brentford is tackled by Maya Yoshida of Southampton during the Pre Season Friendly match between Brentford and Southampton at Griffin Park on July 22, 2017 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images) /

Yoshida takes the armband

I’ve avoided any mention of VVD until now, but the speculation surrounding the defender’s future has raised the question of who should wear the captain’s armband.

The names of James Ward-Prowse, Oriol Romeu and Fraser Forster have all been touted as options by a number of fans. But despite two of the above featuring in the starting XI, it was another familiar face who led the team out today – Maya Yoshida.

And the Japanese international fulfilled his duties well. After a solid period of successfully marshaling the defensive line last season, how much more does the centre-backneed to do to win over his doubters?

Today Yoshida once again played the senior role at the back alongside new signing Jan Bednarek. Many fans are calling for him to be offered a new contract, and perhaps the permanent captaincy along with it.