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Southampton ten-game player analysis: Steven Davis

By Jack Deery

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 15: Steven Davis of Southampton (8) clears the ball from his own goal line during the Premier League match between Southampton and Newcastle United at St Mary's Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 15: Steven Davis of Southampton (8) clears the ball from his own goal line during the Premier League match between Southampton and Newcastle United at St Mary's Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /
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Southampton’s club captain reached a big landmark of 200 appearances for the Saints this season and has proved to be a underrated figure in the midfield, yet again.

Steven Davis has played both centrally and out wide this season and has proved that, despite being the age of 32, he still has a lot to give to the club. The versatile midfielder has played a part in 9 games scoring one goal from central midfield. His one goal, however, was an important one coming in a 1-0 win away to Crystal Palace on his 200th appearance.

The Northern Irish captain often divides the opinion of Saints fans, with a lot of people not including Davis in their suggested starting XIs.

With just one goal and zero assists in nine games so far, it is fairly obvious to see why this happens, by statistics it is probably justified. However, Steven Davis does a job that goes massively unnoticed by many.

Composed on the ball and a forward thinking mindset should be enough to warrant a starting place this year. In the last two games, when Davis has been moved into the centre of the park with Mario Lemina, Saints have gone on to score and not concede for the rest of the game.

Whether that is just a coincidence or the effect Davis brings is difficult to work out, however it’s definitely something to consider.

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND – MARCH 26: Steve Davis of Northern Ireland during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Northern Ireland and Norway at Windsor Park on March 26, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND – MARCH 26: Steve Davis of Northern Ireland during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Northern Ireland and Norway at Windsor Park on March 26, 2017 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) /

The stats

Davis has started eight games in all competitions this season making one appearance from the bench, accumulating in 687 minutes.

He has scored one goal and has no assists, scoring from his only shot on target so far. The midfielder has completed 86% of his 484 passes creating 13 chances for other players.

Next: Ten-game player analysis: Forster

The former Rangers player has also done a decent job defensively. He has won 81% of his tackles along with 14 clearances, including one vital goal line clearance late on against Newcastle.

Reliable, hardworking and a proper professional. Someone who represents the football club in an excellent way. The only thing missing from Davis is more contribution with goals and assists, more of that and he could find himself being the first name on the team sheet.