Ten competitive games into the season, it is easy to say that Maya Yoshida has been one of Saints’ key players. So what has he offered manager Mauricio Pellegrino?
For one, the Japanese international’s professionalism and form has warranted him to start eight out of nine Premier League games. This impressive due to competition from new-comer Wesley Hoedt and the ever-improving Jack Stephens.
Winning Saints’ ‘Player of the Month’ for August is a testament to his performances. Being a standout winner amongst his peers and leading by example. Two clean sheets in three, as well as providing the winning penalty against West Ham would be reasons why.
Yoshida has also lead in key stats for Southampton this season, thus suggesting his importance to the first team squad. Via The Premier League’s website for Southampton’s stats. He has made the most clearances (49), tied second on interceptions (10) and won the third most aerial battles (24). Southampton have also recorded four clean sheets in the eight games that Yoshida has featured in.
More from Saints Marching
- Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 2: Arrivals
- Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 1: Departures
- It’s time to talk about Gavin Bazunu
- Rain clouds on the horizon? Southampton beat Plymouth Argyle
- A lament for Southampton legend James Ward-Prowse
Thought of to be unreliable at the back, the centre back has made no errors leading to a goal. Whilst also having made the second most passes (508). This would encourage the idea that he has become more calm on the ball.
The former VVV-Venlo man’s acrobatic finish versus Stoke City, would also make him the second joint top goal-scorer on one goal. Considered Saints’ best goal till Sofiane Boufal’s solo effort this previous weekend. But none the less shows that Yoshida has done provided at the back as well as going forward.
Many including myself are starting to think of Yoshida as a fan favourite. His patience has been a virtue, taking his opportunity by the scruff of the neck after Saints’ defensive crisis earlier this calendar year.With that momentum, he has been a joy to watch this season so far. His dedication to improving game on game shows how serious he is about performing at the top level. Seeing him go from a bench warmer to captain, in the absence of Steven Davis shows how highly the club regard him now.