Southampton 0-0 Newcastle: Three key players 27/10/2018

Southampton 0-0 Newcastle: Three key players – 27/10/18

By Erik Franzo | Oct 29, 2018

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 27: Nathan Redmond of Southampton is challenged by Federico Fernandez of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Newcastle United at St Mary's Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images) /

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 07: Eden Hazard of Chelsea battles for possession with Oriol Romeu of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Chelsea FC at St Mary’s Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

Oriol Romeu

Left completely out of the side that faced Bournemouth a week ago, Oriol Romeu was called upon to fill in for the ill Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg on Saturday, and put in a solid performance.

Fans should not forget the Spaniard is only 18 months removed from a Southampton Player of the Season Award. Even though he has been overshadowed by the younger Hojbjerg and Mario Lemina who can cover more ground in a two-man midfield, the guy still works so hard.

Romeu was a force in 50/50 battles, kept possession well, and covered for the defence for 78 minutes against Newcastle. It will be interesting to see if Hughes decides to plug the middle and give Romeu a start against Manchester City on Sunday, but after his box-to-box game this weekend, I doubt any Saints fans would complain to see his name on the team sheet.