Saints Marching
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Three lesser-known left-backs for Southampton to consider

By Nikos Lemanis

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JUNE 10: Ryan Bertrand of England in action during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Scotland and England at Hampden Park National Stadium on June 10, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JUNE 10: Ryan Bertrand of England in action during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Scotland and England at Hampden Park National Stadium on June 10, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /
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VALENCIA, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 22: Jose Luis Gaya of Valencia reacts during the La Liga match between Valencia CF and Real Madrid at Mestalla Stadium on February 22, 2017 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)
VALENCIA, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 22: Jose Luis Gaya of Valencia reacts during the La Liga match between Valencia CF and Real Madrid at Mestalla Stadium on February 22, 2017 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images) /

José Gayá

A product of the Valencia youth academy, José Gayá made his first team debut in the 2012/13 season, gradually breaking into the team and becoming a regular two seasons later.

In fact, he was handed his debut by a certain Mauricio Pellegrino during his short stint as Valencia boss.

Since then he has become a reliable member of an improving Valencia team that has recently been through one of the most tumultuous periods of it’s history.

When he first broke onto the scene, Gayá was known primarily for his blistering pace and ability to make forward runs. He is comfortable on the ball and has an impressive and varied passing ability.

He is also not afraid to get stuck into tackles, and his pace is equally useful for tracking back to nullify counter attacks as it is going forward. Being only 5’7”, the only area he truly struggles in is winning aerial duels.

Contracted until 2020, Valencia view José Gayá as integral to their continued recovery. Breaking back into the top ten will be an absolute must for Los Che next season, and the left back will have a big part to play.

Among others, both Manchester City and Arsenal have been linked to Gayá in the past, so Premier League transfer speculation is nothing new. But will this be the summer that he makes a move to England?