Nathan Redmond began the 2017 season as a mainstay in Mauricio Pellegrino’s starting XI.
The 23-year-old earned his role following an impressive first campaign, following his transfer from Norwich City. However, after just ten games this season, Redmond appears to be losing a grip on his starting spot.
The offensive production is most likely to blame. After scoring seven Premier League goals last season, Redmond is yet to find the back of the net. He isn’t necessarily creating chances either, with just two assists, while appearing in all ten of the Saints’ games.
This may be an unfair argument, as he is taking nearly three shots a game, and the entire team is struggling to score. However, his crossing is routinely missing his mark and big chance creation is non-existent.
If we are truly nit-picking, even one of his assists is questionable. As Manolo Gabbiadini held the ball for over five seconds following a cross field pass to equalize against Newcastle. His other assist, again to Gabbiadini, was a great pass though, which kick started the year. This led to the goal, that broke the nine-hour goal drought tension at St. Mary’s, back on match day two.
Redmond’s recent hype, and playing time, are unfortunately trending downwards. He has not been selected for the Three Lions roster during the last two International breaks. More importantly, for Southampton, Pellegrino appears to have lost some faith in his winger. Resulting in three abbreviated appearances in the last three weeks.
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
- Away at Stoke City – 67 minutes (tactical sub, while down a goal)
- Home vs. Newcastle – 57 minutes (tactical sub, while down a goal)
- Home vs. West Brom – 21 minutes (entered as sub, first off bench for Romeu)
Nathan Redmond clearly has talent. He flashes pace, fantastic one-on-one quickness, and confidence on the ball. However, he is still a straight-line runner, who over-favors his right foot, and seems to be lacking connection with Ryan Bertrand on the left side of Southampton’s attack.
It is just not working for him right now, but a ten game sample is not enough to say the season is lost. His best performance to date, arguably, was against Manchester United. Who he also played a fantastic game against in the Cup Final at Wembley.
Here’s hoping he will rise to the occasion against the top half of the table. With an unbelievably difficult holiday schedule on the way for the Saints. Maybe the best of Nathan Redmond is just on the horizon.