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Southampton: Saints must keep hold of Jan Bednarek

By Chris Hughes

VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA - JUNE 28: Jan Bednarek of Poland celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group H match between Japan and Poland at Volgograd Arena on June 28, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA - JUNE 28: Jan Bednarek of Poland celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group H match between Japan and Poland at Volgograd Arena on June 28, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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Reports in the last week or so have said European teams are interested in Jan Bednarek, whilst other supporters have suggested he would be good for their side.

Bednarek didn’t feature this past weekend against Burnley, with Jack Stephens getting the nod whilst Maya Yoshida warmed the bench.

However this hopefully isn’t an indication as to Bednarek’s role this coming season, as he impressed towards the end of the 2017/18 campaign and went on to enjoy a respectable World Cup with Poland, scoring once.

In terms of potential the 22-year-old is streets ahead of his more senior colleagues, excluding Jannik Vestergaard who really impressed on his debut. Still, with Stephens nearing 25 and Yoshida close to 30, Bednarek is the future of the Saint’s right-sided centre-back position.

Therefore, loaning him out of even selling him would be a foolish move. He still has plenty to give.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 28: Jan Bednarek of Southampton celebrates his sides victory after the Premier League match between Southampton and AFC Bournemouth at St Mary’s Stadium on April 28, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 28: Jan Bednarek of Southampton celebrates his sides victory after the Premier League match between Southampton and AFC Bournemouth at St Mary’s Stadium on April 28, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

Granted, all we’ve heard is fan opinion and general rumours, but the idea of potentially losing Bednarek is concerning, as of course the club can no longer sign players unless they’re free agents.

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And if Mark Hughes is to persist with 3-5-2/3-4-2-1, then the club need more depth at the back then they would’ve previously – although having said that, the 4-4-2 we saw in the second half against Burnley was much more effective.

Nonetheless with no natural backup right-back, Bednarek’s versatility is something which could prove key if Cedric is injured or unavailable. It seems foolish to sell him.

The fact that Bednarek started for his national side in the aforementioned World Cup shows that he must be rated highly by more than just the Saints.

All in all, the Polish defender is part of a core of really talented young players like Mohamed Elyounoussi, Matt Targett and Angus Gunn which the club really need to keep hold of. They need to rebuff any interest in him.