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Bournemouth 0-0 Southampton: Three key players

By Erik Franzo

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 20: Nathan Ake of AFC Bournemouth is challenged by Danny Ings of Southampton during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Southampton FC at Vitality Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Bournemouth, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 20: Nathan Ake of AFC Bournemouth is challenged by Danny Ings of Southampton during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Southampton FC at Vitality Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Bournemouth, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 11: Wesley Hoedt of Southampton speaks to Jack Stephens of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary’s Stadium on February 11, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 11: Wesley Hoedt of Southampton speaks to Jack Stephens of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary’s Stadium on February 11, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

Jack Stephens and Wesley Hoedt

Maybe the article should be four key players….

There is no shortage of centre-backs at Southampton.  The problem appears to be finding the right combination of them.  The other question being the defending formation, as Mark Hughes has tried a pairing or three centre-backs as he searches for the best fit.

On Saturday Jack Stephens earned a start alongside Mark Hughes’ mainstay Wesley Hoedt.  Despite the dutch defender being under massive criticism from fans in recent weeks, he was able to put in a performance that should please even the most pessimistic of supporters.

Callum Wilson and Josh King were both effectively removed from the game and mistakes were clearly limited.  They dealt with the ball in the air, cut out direct passes, and looked comfortable in the passing game for the first time in weeks.  Maya Yoshida, returning from International travel, may have been left on the bench to recoup from two games with Japan.  However, it is hard to not trust the Stephens and Hoedt pairing at St. Mary’s against visiting Newcastle.

The Southampton defence will likely be a key talking point for most of the Premier League season, but for once it is nice to talk about them in a positive light!  Hopefully the success carries into a busy period in which the Saints play three games in eight days.

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