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Southampton 3-3 Schalke 04 pre-season analysis: Three key players

ByMarc Walker|
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 22: Nathan Redmond of Southampton shows appreciation to the fans following The Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Chelsea and Southampton at Wembley Stadium on April 22, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 22: Nathan Redmond of Southampton shows appreciation to the fans following The Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Chelsea and Southampton at Wembley Stadium on April 22, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
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Stuart Armstrong

This was Armstrong’s first match in a Saints shirt and he had some impressive moments in the 45 minutes that he played.

After just four minutes, he could have opened the scoring as he received a pass from Nathan Redmond, flicked the ball over a defender’s challenge and drove towards goal. His eventual shot was well saved by Schalke keeper Ralf Fahrmann.

Playing on the left of a central-midfield three, he often got forward in support of attacking duo Redmond and Charlie Austin, and perhaps showed watching Saints fans what they could expect from him in this coming season.

Mark Hughes’ side are in need of some additional goals from their midfielders and it looks as though Armstrong will be that threat for opposition defences in 2018/19.