Southampton: Opinion – the new boys offer us optimism

Four of Southampton’s five summer signings featured this past weekend against Burnley, and all of them were impressive.

Last summer the Saints’ transfer business was questionable – although they kept hold of Virgil van Dijk and brought in the talented Mario Lemina, Wesley Hoedt was inconsistent and we didn’t see much of Jan Bednarek until the end of the campaign. At to that how the club failed once again to bring in a new winger and striker, and fans were left disillusioned with the board.

However this time around the club addressed the issues in the squad with five impressive signings, and four of those featured in some respect against Burnley in the Saints’ Premier League opener.

Granted, Southampton were held to a goalless draw by the Clarets so the result is nothing to rave about, but those who made their Saints debuts were all praised by the supporters.

Jannik Vestergaard was the only one of the quartet to play the duration, and he led the line from the back, making a dozen clearances and also winning a further seven aerial battles. His dominance and strength make up for his lack of natural pace, and it seems the club could have a real leader in the middle of their defence.

More from Saints Marching

• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 2: Arrivals
• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 1: Departures
• It’s time to talk about Gavin Bazunu
• Rain clouds on the horizon? Southampton beat Plymouth Argyle
• A lament for Southampton legend James Ward-Prowse

Stuart Armstrong was the only other new signing to start the game as he played alongside and behind Nathan Redmond as the duo supported Charlie Austin. The Scot only played 55 minutes as he went of with a knock but his desire to run and his link-up play gave reason to believe his pre-season form will be consistent with his competitive game this year.

Both Mohamed Elyounoussi and Danny Ings came off the bench with 35 minutes left to play, as the duo were part of a serious switch in formation by Mark Hughes – the Welshman changed it up from a 3-5-2 to a 4-4-2.

Both of the two pacey attackers added intensity and creativity to Southampton’s play, and if it wasn’t for Burnley’s well-organised and resolute defence, the Saints probably would’ve come away with three points.

Nonetheless, having kept hold of their best players and recruited what appears to be a good crop of fresh faces, Southampton fans should be optimistic going into the next run of games.

Granted, Ings isn’t the target-man striker many supporters called for, but both him and Elyounoussi will offer much-needed reinforcement and competition in and around the final third.

All in all, Southampton fans should be optimistic about their chances against Everton and Leicester City, whereas last year they would’ve been lucky to pick up a point.