Southampton 1-1 Brighton: Three key players

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 31: Jack Stephens of Southampton celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Brighton and Hove Albion at St Mary's Stadium on January 31, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images) /

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 31: Jack Stephens of Southampton celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Brighton and Hove Albion at St Mary’s Stadium on January 31, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images) /

Jack Stephens

The ex-Plymouth man started again at the heart of defence and scored his second goal in as many games at St. Mary’s. But it wasn’t just the goal which forced his inclusion in this key player piece.

Stephens on many occasions brought the ball forward with real intent, looking to play a killer pass to open Brighton up, but the sluggishness of Oriol Romeu and Steven Davis meant he had little to no options.

Stephens obviously had his biggest moment of the game on the hour mark when he flicked home a Ward-Prowse cross, rescuing a point which could possibly be important come the end of May.