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Southampton: Five youngsters who could see game time this season

By Marc Walker

GOLDACH, SWITZERLAND - JULY 15: Nathan Tella from FC Southampton in action during the pre-season friendly match between FC Southampton and St. Gallen at Sportanlage Kellen on July 15, 2017 in Goldach, Switzerland. (Photo by Simon Hausberger/Getty Images)
GOLDACH, SWITZERLAND - JULY 15: Nathan Tella from FC Southampton in action during the pre-season friendly match between FC Southampton and St. Gallen at Sportanlage Kellen on July 15, 2017 in Goldach, Switzerland. (Photo by Simon Hausberger/Getty Images) /
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NORWICH, ENGLAND – JANUARY 07: Josh Sims of Southampton inspects the pitch during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Norwich City and Southampton at Carrow Road on January 7, 2017 in Norwich, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
NORWICH, ENGLAND – JANUARY 07: Josh Sims of Southampton inspects the pitch during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Norwich City and Southampton at Carrow Road on January 7, 2017 in Norwich, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images) /

Josh Sims

Sims burst into first-team set up under Claude Puel last year, and would go on to have a sizeable impact throughout the season.

The 20-year-old made his Saints senior debut in a 1-0 home win against Everton and claimed an assist when he set up Charlie Austin for the winning goal.

Further appearances in the Europa League and EFL Cup run came, and Sims would claim another assist in this time; a quite brilliant run from his own box to set up Shane Long’s winner in the EFL Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool.

Sims’ greatest assets are his close ball control and direct running from the right-wing, and these qualities could see him have an impact on a Saints team lacking creativity in the remainder of the campaign.