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Southampton: Youngters now deserve to play

By Edward Waugh

WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - APRIL 08: (L-R) Jack Stephens of Southampton, Sam McQueen of Southampton, Harrison Reed of Southampton and Josh Sims of Southampton take a look at the pitch prior to the Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Southampton at The Hawthorns on April 8, 2017 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images)
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - APRIL 08: (L-R) Jack Stephens of Southampton, Sam McQueen of Southampton, Harrison Reed of Southampton and Josh Sims of Southampton take a look at the pitch prior to the Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Southampton at The Hawthorns on April 8, 2017 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images) /
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So far this season there has been a lack of faith shown towards academy graduates. Surprising given that the board strives to develop young talent, using their philosophy of ‘The Southampton Way’. So why is this?

Manager Mauricio Pellegrino is not known to show trust in youth. Only having coached Valencia’s youth team as stated by Southampton’s article. It would be surprising, that on his appointment the board did not suggest or explain that developing youth was a critical target.

With lack of younger players featuring it could suggest otherwise. The board and Pellegrino are more focused on achieving a high league finish, which is understandable. They see it as a risk playing inexperienced players. Therefore are opting to stick with the same players week in, week out.

Though, this does not seem to be working, even with the club currently sitting 10th in the Premier League. It hides the fact that performances having been appalling at times this season.

The current first team squad lacks real diversity of options. Harrison Reed and Sam Gallagher, who could’ve added to that where loaned out during the summer. Reed offering more grit in the midfield whilst Gallagher is built for hold up play, which is desperately needed.

BELGRADE, SERBIA – OCTOBER 09: Dusan Tadic of Serbia looks on prior to the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Serbia and Georgia at stadium Rajko Mitic on October 9, 2017 in Belgrade. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)
BELGRADE, SERBIA – OCTOBER 09: Dusan Tadic of Serbia looks on prior to the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Serbia and Georgia at stadium Rajko Mitic on October 9, 2017 in Belgrade. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images) /

Whilst other players look uninterested or short of confidence. There is no real competition for places, therefore players such as Dusan Tadic for intense, don’t give 110% every week but are still guaranteed a starting place.

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It’s concerning that, the manager is willing to stick it out with a player that clearly is not fussed about giving it his all. The same could’ve been said at the beginning at the season for the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Bertrand. Both clearly wanted to move elsewhere.

Jack Stephens and Sam McQueen could’ve been suitable solutions to replace the two, although risky, it would’ve developed their game. It would’ve also been beneficial for squad togetherness, which is clearly still lacking at times.

Despite recent injury problems, players such as Jake Hesketh and Josh Sims (on return) should be played instead of Tadic. They will more likely want to give it their all. Giving the Serbian a run for his place in the squad, therefore to make the first-team, the standard rises. Therefore results are likely be achieved.