Huddersfield 1-3 Southampton: Premier League – Player Ratings
By Erik Franzo
Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager – 10
What a difference a manager makes!
Hasenhuttl had his full roster to choose from and was not afraid to go with the exact eleven that beat Arsenal. His tactics are clear, and he has given total freedom to the front three. Providing a direct counter-attacking style which has led to Southampton’s first back-to-back wins since April 2017.
The Saints manager continues to show faith in the youth, starting Jan Valery at right back, making Michael Obafemi first off the bench, and including Kayne Ramsay in match day side. There is clear intent to re-establish the Southampton way, while providing and exciting brand of soccer. The future appears bright under Ralph!
Alex McCarthy, Goalkeeper – 6
McCarthy was not that busy, but had his first real blunder since taking the Southampton starting job from Fraser Forster.
Just a few minutes prior, McCarthy made an incredible reaction save on a point blank header. However, Philip Billing’s strike from about twenty-five yards, wrong-footed the keeper, and allowed the Terriers to get back in the game.
McCarthy made one other save of significance at 1-2, but otherwise had a rather routine performance on Saturday.
Yan Valery, Right Wing-Back – 7
Even with Cedric back in training, the right wing-back role might by Jan Valery’s to lose. The Southampton youngster continues to be a strong presence on the width, and you can see he is gaining confidence while getting into attacking positions.
He did get another yellow card for time wasting and was subbed off late because of it. However, his inside-out movement created the space for Nathan Redmond’s run which broke the game open.
Jan Bednarek, Right Centre-Back – 7
A forgotten man under Mark Hughes, and maybe the best all-around centre-back in the squad? He did not really have a memorable game, but was solid in limiting mistakes and clearing his line. Cannot imagine he will lose his place anytime soon.
Maya Yoshida, Centre-Back, 7.5
The “senior” centre-back’s leadership role should not be overlooked. He is the centre, centre-back for a reason and will be missed when during International duty in January.
Yoshida had more headers than both his partners, and stayed calm during some intense moments inside the Southampton box. There was not a true impact play on the afternoon, but Yoshi is a player that the Saints need and how many fans would have said that three years ago?
Jannik Vestergaard, Left Centre-Back – 7.5
Vestergaard is showing signs he is fully recovered from his error at Cardiff, and Hasenhuttl has clearly done well keeping his confidence. Vestergaard looked like a real factor defending aerial threats, and survived the pace of Issac Mbenza who was glued to his side in the first half.
We are all waiting for him to get his head on an attacking set piece, but he is paid to defend and appears to be in the good graces of the new manager. Let’s hope there is even more positive development on the way.
Matt Targett, Left Wing-Back – 6.5
Targett had a relatively quiet afternoon, which is usually a good thing for a left back. However, Targett is asked to go forward and deliver crosses which he contributed none of significance this week. He did find himself in a positive advanced position, and took a half-hearted shot on goal, but that was about all.
It will be interesting to see if he holds his place or if Ryan Bertrand is restored to the starting eleven when he is fully fit. Regardless, the decision to not sell Targett to Fulham this past summer has certainly paid off.