Saints Marching
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West Ham 3-0 Southampton: Three key takeaways

By Erik Franzo

COVENTRY, ENGLAND - JANUARY 06: Mark Hughes, Manager of Stoke City reacts during The Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Coventry City and Stoke City at Ricoh Arena on January 6, 2018 in Coventry, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
COVENTRY, ENGLAND - JANUARY 06: Mark Hughes, Manager of Stoke City reacts during The Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Coventry City and Stoke City at Ricoh Arena on January 6, 2018 in Coventry, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images) /
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NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – MARCH 10: Ryan Bertrand of Southampton takes a look around the pitch prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Southampton at St. James Park on March 10, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – MARCH 10: Ryan Bertrand of Southampton takes a look around the pitch prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Southampton at St. James Park on March 10, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /

Who Is Our Captain?

Not Ryan Bertrand…

Honestly, Matt Targett and Sam McQueen would show better toughness, grit, desire, and care.

The captain’s band has significance even in modern football.  Think Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane, Michael Carrick, and even Saturday’s opponent, West Ham’s Mark Noble.  What are the qualities they have in similar?  For me, it is a no nonsense, lead by example attitude.

Bertrand continues to coast through games, shows frustration, throws his hands up at teammates, and plays without conviction.  All detriments to team attitude and approach.  His seniority and international recognition may be the reason he gets to wear the armband, but Garrett Southgate was at the game, and could not have been impressed.

The problem is who takes on the role?

Personally, Steven Davis, Oriol Romeu, and Jack Stephens are all better candidates.  Especially during a time where leadership and grit may be the only things that keep Southampton in the league.