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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MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 30: Faouzi Ghoulam of SSC Napoli kicks the ball during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SSC Napoli at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 30, 2017 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images )
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 30: Faouzi Ghoulam of SSC Napoli kicks the ball during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SSC Napoli at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 30, 2017 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images ) /

Faouzi Ghoulam

To Italy now, and another international who is reportedly a target for Liverpool.

26-year-old Faouzi Ghoulam currently plays for Napoli, where he has cemented a place in one of the tightest defences in Serie A. Last season Napoli only conceded 39 goals, the third least in the league.

A French-born Algerian international with 35 full caps, Ghoulam is fast and powerful, with the stamina to make tireless runs up and down the left wing. At 6’2” he is also effective in the air.

Ghoulam’s attacking ability is underlined by his crossing, and he works well with wingers who like to cut inside.

Questions have been posed about some of his defensive capabilities. As part of a regimented back line he performs his duties well, but he still needs to work on his tackling.

"“If Ghoulam improves his defensive movements, he will become one of the best in the world in his position.” – Maurizio Sarri 2015,"

Ghoulam’s contract expires next summer and although rumours of a new agreement emerged over a month ago, nothing has been made public so far. After seven years in Italy, perhaps the time has come for a new challenge.