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Huddersfield 1-3 Southampton: Premier League – Player Ratings

By Erik Franzo

HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 22: Danny Ings of Southampton jumps over a challenge from Florent Hadergjonaj of Huddersfield Town during the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Southampton FC at John Smith's Stadium on December 22, 2018 in Huddersfield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 22: Danny Ings of Southampton jumps over a challenge from Florent Hadergjonaj of Huddersfield Town during the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Southampton FC at John Smith's Stadium on December 22, 2018 in Huddersfield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images) /
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HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 22: Philip Billing of Huddersfield Town is challenged by Oriol Romeu of Southampton during the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Southampton FC at John Smith’s Stadium on December 22, 2018 in Huddersfield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 22: Philip Billing of Huddersfield Town is challenged by Oriol Romeu of Southampton during the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Southampton FC at John Smith’s Stadium on December 22, 2018 in Huddersfield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images) /

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Centre-Midfielder – 8.5

The Southampton captain was all over the field and delivered the pass to Nathan Redmond for the first goal.

Hojbjerg did pick up a silly yellow card late that will force him to miss the West Ham game, but that may have been his only blemish.  He controls possession, shows desire to go forward, and tries to make amends for any give-away.  Hojbjerg really is the heart and soul of the side, and is setting himself up to be a fan favorite for years to come.

Oriol Romeu, Centre-Midfielder – 9

Romeu’s performance today should make anyone seriously question Mark Hughes’ understanding of football tactics.  The former Southampton player of the year has been fully restored to the starting eleven under Hasenhuttl and has seriously seized his opportunity.

He was much quicker in possession today than a week ago, which leads us to believe his lack of game time probably affected him the most.  If you go back and watch the match replay, it may be hard to find a moment where he made a poor decision or turned over the ball. Romeu will be crucial midweek with Hojbjerg out, but with his play today, it would be a mistake to be worried.

Nathan Redmond, Attacking Centre-Midfielder – 9.5

It was nearly a perfect 10, but one can lightly criticize his passiveness around goal.  The final decision being his only criticism, Redmond was fantastic.  This is a true difference-maker and threat every time he picks up the ball.  The freedom of the front three under Hasenhuttl has placed him at the centre of the attack, and he was rewarded with a goal right down the middle of the pitch.

Although, the highlight of his game was stealing the ball off Christopher Schindler just outside the Huddersfield box and setting up Michael Obafemi’s goal to put the game away.  The progression from a year ago is absolutely staggering, and with room to express himself, there is likely a lot more to come.

Stuart Armstrong, Attacking Centre-Midfielder – 6.5

Nothing against Stuart, but he did not have much of an impact.  He doesn’t have the pace of Redmond nor Ings, but tried to drive the ball past defenders, without much success.

No shots on target today, but still an important part of what is shaping up to be a very dangerous front three.