Having seen players such as James Ward-Prowse and Jack Stephens thrive in the first team of late, can the same be said for other youngsters in Southampton’s ranks?
It’s come to the attention of many, that our youth setup could be about to provide the first team with much needed competition and a new set of first-team stars.
Though many of our younger players have been loaned out for this season, the impact and progression they are making is quite clearly visible. There are many names that come to mind in Harrison Reed (Norwich), Sam Gallagher (Birmingham) and Matt Targett (Fulham), to just name a few of what is becoming a long list.
With this, the likes of Josh Sims, who has recently been out to prove a point, and Jake Hesketh, in inspired form in the Under-23’s all season, have shown the depth that many previously didn’t think Saints had.
Though with the end of this season fast approaching, and the potential of new player additions over the summer, will and should these players be given a chance?
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It is a case of balance, providing these players with the highest standard of first-team football to improve their game, whilst insuring that Southampton’s squad is as strong as possible.
There is a gut feeling however, that many of these players could easily be part of the 18-man match-squad come the 2018/19 season.
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The introduction of players as mentioned above, and others that weren’t not only give Southampton good squad rotation and competition for places, but also different ways to play.
For instance, Josh Sims provides Southampton with pace and a direct style-of-play that has been desperately required, and be extremely influential as of a result. Whilst Sam Gallagher is quite capable of being a target man which again Southampton lacked until they acquired Guido Carrillo in January, would be great back-up though.
Whilst Harrison Reed, Matt Targett, Sam McQueen, Olufela Olomola, Jake Hesketh and so many more have been very consistent performers in their respected team, there is no doubt they would easily give thier all for the red and white shirt.
Tie this in with James Ward-Prowse, arguably Saints’ Player of the Season and potential future captain, and Jack Stephens, who has proved his reliability under great pressure over the past two seasons, and there’s a good nucleus to the squad from there.
Their playing time will very much depend on the results of this season however, with Southampton looming just over danger in the relegation zone. Failure to stay up could see a lot of players become regular first-team stars, staying up would lessen this chance however.
One thing for sure though, is that they should be given thier chance regardless, as they have proved this season that they are willing to give 100% every game, a trait the current first team have lacked at times this season.