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Will the return of Josh Sims aid Southampton and Mauricio Pellegrino?

By Edward Waugh

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Kieran Gibbs of Arsenal and Josh Sims of Southampton in action during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Southampton and Arsenal at St Mary's Stadium on January 28, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Kieran Gibbs of Arsenal and Josh Sims of Southampton in action during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Southampton and Arsenal at St Mary's Stadium on January 28, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) /
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The 20-year-old playmaker will boost Pellegrino’s options going forward, so should he deserve a crack at first team action?

Josh Sims had a breakout season in the 16/17 campaign, featuring 13 times for Saints across all competitions. Including a standout performance against Everton, where he bagged an assist. He would later feature against Liverpool in the EFL cup semi-final, and play a pivotal role in sending Saints to Wembley.

Since then, we have not seen much of the academy graduate. He has not featured due to injury, this very much unknown to many Saints fans.

So why mention him in the equation now? Well, it would seem likely that Sims is close to returning. Linked with a loan move to Sheffield Wednesday before the end of the transfer window. It would indicate that the player will be available sooner rather than later.

Next: Southampton monthly review - August

HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 26: Mauricio Pellegrino, Manager of Southampton during the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Southampton at John Smith’s Stadium on August 26, 2017 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images)
HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 26: Mauricio Pellegrino, Manager of Southampton during the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Southampton at John Smith’s Stadium on August 26, 2017 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images) /

Sims should be thrown into the mix after he returns. This is to help create competition for Dusan Tadic and Nathan Redmond, who have both looked average so far this season. This comes despite them both having a one-goal involvement each this campaign.

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Beyond both Redmond and Sofiane Boufal the Saints lack natural pace down either wing, and having not added another attacking player in the transfer market, Sims could prove pivotal throughout a long season.

So what does Sims bring to the table? He’s extremely positive and direct on the ball, almost explosive at times due to his pace and technique combined.

These together let Saints have more cutting edge and thus create more goal-scoring opportunities. Even if not started, the play-maker is a great impact option.

Thus, it would be pleasing to see Sims gain some much needed game-time under his belt. Not just to nurture his ability into a potential star. But also for the sake of Saints, as he provides Pellegrino with more attacking threat.