Southampton: Does Nathan Redmond deserve to start against Burnley?

Nathan Redmond returned to the Southampton starting XI in the win against West Brom but should he get the nod in this weekend against Burnley?

It had been over two months since the English winger was last given a start, after a difficult start to his second season on the south coast.

Redmond was one of the Saints’ leading goalscorers last campaign but is still not off the mark this season, drawing scathing criticism for his performances as a result.

Mauricio Pellegrino has preferred to use Dusan Tadic and James Ward-Prowse out wide as a result, with Sofiane Boufal also limited to a lot of substitute appearances despite his best efforts.

However against the Baggies in the FA Cup fifth round, the Argentine gave Redmond a chance although he was relatively underwhelming on his return.

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LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Nathan Redmond of Southampton in action with Danny Rose of Southampton during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton at Wembley Stadium on December 26, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

Redmond had one of the worst passing percentages of any Southampton starter in the game against West Brom, with none of these deemed ‘key passes’ via WhoScored.

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He also failed to register any shot, let alone one on target, in 71 minutes of play. Despite making relatively little mistakes it was hard to deem Redmond’s return a success – but he could be the key to unlocking Burnley’s tricky defense.

Sean Dyche’s back-line will look to be tight throughout and frustrate the Southampton attackers, meaning Redmond’s natural pace could be just what the Saints need.

Despite their technical ability, either of Tadic nor JWP possess much natural pace which would work in the Clarets favour as they will look to sit deep.

Therefore, giving Redmond the opportunity to try and penetrate the lines could pay dividends in what is a must-win game for both sides. Burnley are in a slump right now but that could play in Southampton’s hands with the Saints desperate to get themselves out of the relegation zone.