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Southampton: Is Luke Shaw the right man to replace Ryan Bertrand?

By Christian Bird

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Luke Shaw of Manchester United during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Burton Albion at Old Trafford on September 20, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Luke Shaw of Manchester United during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Burton Albion at Old Trafford on September 20, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
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Plagued with injury, Luke Shaw is reportedly plotting a return to Premier League football with his former club Southampton.

Meanwhile the form of Ryan Bertrand has earned a him place on the shortlist of major clubs in the league, as well as recognition by the England manager Gareth Southgate. But how different a player is Luke Shaw from his last spell, and is it necessarily a bad thing?

Few would argue against the notion that Luke Shaw is a phenomenally talented full-back with enough skill in his locker to play for most teams in the top flight, including Manchester United perhaps. Shaw, given the time to develop, would have been influential in United’s campaign. However, it is indicative of most professional footballer’s to struggle with the foreseeable pressure of Premier League football, especially when plagued with injuries.

In light of this, a break from the high intensity at Old Trafford could be exactly what’s needed to revive the career of Luke Shaw, who is still at a young age and able to challenge for an England place.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 15: Ryan Bertrand of Southampton looks on during the Premier League match between Southampton and Newcastle United at St Mary’s Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 15: Ryan Bertrand of Southampton looks on during the Premier League match between Southampton and Newcastle United at St Mary’s Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

Luke Shaw is by no measure in the same league as Ryan Bertrand right now, who has shined since joining Saints from Chelsea on loan, before making the deal permanent. Nevertheless, these are not too big boots to fill, as Shaw has bucket loads of potential to fill in to this position. He is a straight-swap for Bertrand – both Englishmen, both experienced at Southampton Football Club, and both having left Premier League giants.

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However, with Bertrand seemingly now on the up, and Luke Shaw possibly joining up with the Saints, he is playing a lot of catch-up. Therefore, assuming the demand of playing Premier League football is huge nowadays, would it be callous or courageous to sign him?

Being from Britain is nowhere near as important as how well the player performs on match-days. There is of course an influential aspect in the dressing room of being a home-born player, especially when linking up with former club-mates and staff around the building. The risk of signing a player of his quality is usually fairly low, but this does not take into account the risk of getting injured again, and his form sliding ultimately.

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I feel personally that his form will recover and he will be challenging for an England call-up before too long, but mentally as well as physically, injuries must have dealt a significant blow to his hopes of having a remarkable career.

Southampton need defenders that will come into the side and play their own part in inspiring the fan’s and teammates. Luke Shaw does not spark confidence in me, and would take some time to convince me otherwise. Should Southampton resign Shaw, it is a gap filled. They may be better off buying someone else though.