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Southampton: Alfie Jones’ loan spell should do him well

By Chris Hughes

COBHAM, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 21: Domonic Solanke of Chelsea shoots on goal as Alfie Jones of Southampton blocks during the Premier League 2 match between Chelsea and Southampton at Chelsea Training Ground on November 21, 2016 in Cobham, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
COBHAM, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 21: Domonic Solanke of Chelsea shoots on goal as Alfie Jones of Southampton blocks during the Premier League 2 match between Chelsea and Southampton at Chelsea Training Ground on November 21, 2016 in Cobham, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) /
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Southampton today confirmed that young defender Alfie Jones has moved on loan to Scottish side St. Mirren for the next season.

The 20-year-old has only recently signed a new contract with the Saints, signaling that he may have a future at the club as he progresses into a more mature player.

Although less of them are moving on to bigger and better things nowadays, Southampton still have a good portion of senior players who have come from the side’s academy, with Sam McQueen, Matt Targett, Sam Gallagher, James Ward-Prowse and Harrison Reed among those who have graduated from the club’s youth system.

Jones’ versatility as a player who can play in the centre of defence or as a holding midfielder could make him valuable to the senior side in the coming seasons, and he should hopefully gain some really valuable experience in the Scottish Premier League.

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STEVENAGE, ENGLAND – JANUARY 30: Ryan Loft of Tottenham Hotspur holds off Alfie Jones of Southampton during the Premier League Two match between Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton at The Lamex Stadium on January 30, 2017 in Stevenage, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
STEVENAGE, ENGLAND – JANUARY 30: Ryan Loft of Tottenham Hotspur holds off Alfie Jones of Southampton during the Premier League Two match between Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton at The Lamex Stadium on January 30, 2017 in Stevenage, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) /

The youngster is currently the Under-23’s captain at St. Mary’s, although there’s no denying that competitive senior football should aid his development better, especially after St. Mirren were promoted to the top tier of Scottish football, meaning they will face the country’s top clubs this campaign.

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Although he’s yet to make a senior league appearance with Southampton, Jones will take comfort from how the likes of Reed and Targett have bedded into the senior side after successful loan spells, even if the 20-year-old has to spend the 2019/20 season out on loan as well.

Comparable in play-style to Jack Stephens, Jones could also get the chance to seize his opportunity in the next year or two with Yoshida aging, Hoedt struggling and Bednarek linked with moves away. Although supporters would always rather the club brought in fresh talent, there’s still a chance Jones could get the nod.

Southampton will hope his time away  help him develop into a really accomplished young defender, as alongside Jake Hesketh and Nathan Tella he’s arguably the best player in the Under-23 side. Only time all tell as to whether there is enough potential to be a regular in the Premier League, but a loan away can only help him get there.