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Huddersfield 0-0 Southampton: Three key players

By Erik Franzo

HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 26: Nathan Redmond of Southampton in action during the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Southampton at John Smith's Stadium on August 26, 2017 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 26: Nathan Redmond of Southampton in action during the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Southampton at John Smith's Stadium on August 26, 2017 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images) /
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HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 26: Mario Lemina of Southampton and Christopher Schindler of Huddersfield Town battle for possession during the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Southampton at John Smith’s Stadium on August 26, 2017 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 26: Mario Lemina of Southampton and Christopher Schindler of Huddersfield Town battle for possession during the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Southampton at John Smith’s Stadium on August 26, 2017 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images) /

Mario Lemina

Getting his second start of the season, Lemina truly impressed.  Early in the game he showed pace and strength cutting out multiple would-be attacks in the midfield. Sitting next to Oriol Romeu in the 4-2-3-1 I thought he even out classed the Spaniard.

Lemina flashed footwork to get out of pressure, sought to keep possession, and routinely won the ball back in key moments.

At the start of the second half he swapped with Steven Davis and took over the #10 role, which fans wanted to see.  Lemina did not disappoint, setting up Manolo Gabbiadini on top of the box for a clear chance.  What was more impressive was the run he made prior to receiving the ball in attacking space. Something that is consistently lacking in the Saints attack.

Unfortunately for us, he was Mauricio Pellegrino’s first substitution, and the 23-year-old did not look happy about it. Lemina was just getting an opportunity to show what he can do in a more attacking role.

I questioned why he was taken off, but the sub that came on ended up having an even greater impact…