Southampton: Opinion – It’s time to revert back to 4-2-3-1

Amid all this talk regarding whether Southampton should set up in a 4-4-2 or 3-5-2 formation, it may be time to revert back to old ways.

Although tactics and personnel were ever-changing, we have seen Southampton play in a 4-2-3-1 for the majority of the time since they returned to the Premier League. Under Ronald Koeman we saw the occasional 3-5-2 and under Claude Puel we saw a diamond midfield, but 4-2-3-1 was always the mainstay.

Following Pellegrino’s troubled term in charge which saw the Saints dance dangerously close to relegation, it’s fair to say that Southampton fans were hoping for something a bit different. When Mark Hughes arrived and showed intent to play with three/five-at-the-back, supporters we happy for the change.

However after 3-5-2 has struggled in competitive football so far and with the apparent back-up in 4-4-2 leaving the Saints’ strikers isolated, is it time to revert to old ways and play 4-2-3-1?

Of course there are others way around this – introducing Manolo Gabbiadini to partner either Charlie Austin or Danny Ings would allow Southampton to play with a natural second-striker, as the Italian would come deep as well as attempt to get in behind.

However, looking at the Saints’ current squad, it does still seem like the modern 4-2-3-1 we were so accustomed to could still be the side’s best way of setting up. The failures of last season coupled with the fact that Mark Hughes doesn’t have a natural #10 at his disposal may put some off, but it actually seems really logical.

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Ings’ arrival gives the Saints a striker who is pacey enough and hard-working enough to be able to lead the line without being isolated. That’s something we haven’t had in a good two seasons.

In behind the Liverpool-loanee we could easily play Stuart Armstrong if we’re looking to be more cautious, as the Scot can easily form a midfield three as much as he push up and get into the final third.

If the Saints want to be more attacking then there’s no reason why Gabbiadini couldn’t play well in behind the striker. His passing range may not be off the scale but his link-up play is massively underrated – he needs more minutes however the Saints chose to set up.

Despite what anyone says, Mohamed Elyounoussi and Nathan Redmond are two of the most gifted players in the Saints’ squad – and the fact that many, myself included, were happy for both to warm the Southampton bench just isn’t right. Having the Norwegian cut in and be creative whilst Redmond can be direct on his orthodox foot could work wonders with the right coaching.

The need for something fresh was totally understandable after what happened with Pellegrino and 3-5-2 could still work as it’s far too early to write it off completely. However, based off of Southampton’s current crop of players and their individual strengths, I personally believe it’s time to see Hughes deploy his Saints side in 4-2-3-1.