Wigan Athletic 0-2 Southampton (FA Cup): Three Key Players

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WIGAN, ENGLAND – MARCH 18: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Southampton (23) celebrates as he scores their first goal during The Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Wigan Athletic and Southampton at DW Stadium on March 18, 2018 in Wigan, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /

Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg

The Danish midfielder grabbed his first goal for Saints since joining in 2016. Hojbjerg set Southampton on their way scoring the first goal of the game on the 62nd minute after he connected with a Dusan Tadic corner and found a way past Christian Walton.

It wasn’t just the goal that made his performance so good, though. The former-Bayern Munich man has found appearances hard to come by with Pellegrino in charge being part of a rotation triangle between himself, Romeu and Lemina. However, a first start under Mark Hughes and he repaid the faith shown in him by his manager.

An impressive 82% pass accuracy, only bettered by Ryan Bertrand, along with the most touches by a Southampton player perfectly portrays Hojbjerg’s style of play. Efficient, calm and hard working makes him a real threat from centre midfield.

Still at the young age of 22 the Dane is far from the finished product and consistent football at a decent standard could see him turn into the player he was once tipped to be at Bayern Munich.