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Southampton: What is the club’s plan for Jack Stephens?

By Erik Franzo

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 02: Jack Stephens of Southampton in action during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Southampton and FC Augsburg at St Mary's Stadium on August 2, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 02: Jack Stephens of Southampton in action during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Southampton and FC Augsburg at St Mary's Stadium on August 2, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images) /
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After beginning the 2017/18 Premier League season as a fixture in Southampton’s starting lineup, Jack Stephens has suddenly found opportunities with the senior squad few and far between.

This has Saints fans wondering, what is the plan for the Englishman’s development?

The return of Virgil van Dijk, the arrival of Wesley Hoedt, and the establishment of Maya Yoshida have clearly challenged Stephens’ path forward. Before the Durchhmen (re)entered the picture, he partnered well with Yoshida during the first four League games. Significantly contributing in two clean sheets, and helping Southampton claim five points.

However, since the Watford game on September 9th, Stephens has yet to feature in the Premier League. Logically this means more time with the under 23’s.  However, that too is not the case, with just two appearances with the understudies.

As the fourth-choice centre-back, with Jan Bednarek chomping at his heels, competition within team is strong.  This will naturally push Stephens’ progress, but we all know he needs game time to take the next step forward.

With a limited fixture list this season, and just the ;eague and FA Cup to look forward to. It seems he will need an injury, a sale, or a change in formation to provide opportunity on the south coast.

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 29: Virgil van Dijk of Southampton in action during the Premier League match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Southampton at Amex Stadium on October 29, 2017 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 29: Virgil van Dijk of Southampton in action during the Premier League match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Southampton at Amex Stadium on October 29, 2017 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /

Selling Van Dijk is always a possibility. However, Southampton almost has to remain committed to their stance, after turning down a reported 70-80 million pounds this summer.  Although, I would hope management would at least ask themselves, is the difference between Stephens and Van Dijk truly that substantial?

Stephens can’t pray for injury, so the other opportunity comes with a change in team shape.  Many of us thought after retaining VVD, and purchasing Hoedt, a 3-5-2 became a realistic possibility.

However, manager Mauricio Pellegrino, has gone to three centre-backs just once.  The alteration came during the Carabao Cup loss to Wolves, in which Stephens featured. That single disappointing result seems to have triggered a reluctance to change within the Southampton skipper. Which, in turn, has directly affected the young centre-back’s place in the squad.

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It is difficult to imagine this as a possibility, as just five months ago, Stephens was named Southampton Player of the Month for May. In season previews, he was regularly picked as a player to watch by fans and experts. However, the likelihood of us getting the opportunity to see him play, looks bleak.

Realistically, I envision the 23-year-old Stephens heading out on loan in January. I am sure the busy fixture list during the holidays will probably give us a better sense of his future. Although, the zero starts, and two bench inclusions, have already etched some writing in the wall.