Why Southampton should hold onto Shane Long

There continues to be speculation regarding Shane Long’s future at St. Mary’s. The latest rumors coming out of Leeds where fans are clamoring for the pacey striker to replace Chris Wood.

Although it may make sense to sell the Irish International who is clearly behind Manolo Gabbiadini and Charlie Austin, I am one Saints fan that would hate to see him go.

We all know what Shane brings to the table. One of the quickest players in the Premier League, a nuisance to defend, and 100% effort every time he steps on the pitch. He is an underrated headerer of the ball, and has proven he can score big goals like the one that sent the Saints to Wembley in February.

The argument can be made that he needs regular playing time. The 2018 World Cup is looming and he was recently named to the Republic of Ireland provisional squad for qualifiers next month.

However, Long brings a super sub skill-set that can make a genuine impact in any situation. When entering late in games, match commentators consistently highlight the pressure he puts on defenders with tired legs.

He is proven effective as a starter though. In 2015/16, Long’s most successful Premier League campaign, he tallied 10 goals in his 28 appearances, and 23 of them were starts. It is also relevant that Long was not always deployed as an out and out striker under then-manager Ronald Koeman.

His omission from the starting lineup against Wolves means Mauricio Pellegrino may think differently of him.  Even Claude Puel started him in five of eight cup ties last season. For me, his presence on the bench was both alarming and surprising.

Pellegrino’s 3-4-3 formation probably did not suit Long’s abilities, and with the center half acquisitions this season we could be seeing a lot more of this shape. However, he is healthy and fresh, and could have offered energy that was clearly lacking in our side Wednesday night.

The truth is that there is no player like Shane Long on the Southampton roster. I actually challenge our readers to name a player like him in the Premier League. He is a true professional who goes about his business and rarely complains about his opportunity. Pellegrino unlike Puel, should find more creative ways to implement him in the lineup. He is proven to be a tactical nightmare for slower defenses.

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I am forever endeared to players with the work ethic of Long and Steven Davis.  Their importance to the team is overlooked and role is thankless. It would probably be easy for many Saints fans to accept selling Long to Leeds, Burnley, or his hometown Reading for the right price. I personally cannot justify it.

I may be biased because I did purchase the 2017/18 away kit with his name on the back. Although I would genuinely see it as a loss of a player we cannot directly replace. For me Shane Long is a spark in a team that is having difficulty keeping a flame.