Leicester 1-2 Southampton: Premier League – Three Match Takeaways

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 12: Jan Bednarek of Southampton acknowledges the fans following the Premier League match between Leicester City and Southampton FC at The King Power Stadium on January 12, 2019 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 12: Jan Bednarek of Southampton acknowledges the fans following the Premier League match between Leicester City and Southampton FC at The King Power Stadium on January 12, 2019 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
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LEICESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 12: Yan Valery of Southampton reacts after being sent off during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Southampton FC at The King Power Stadium on January 12, 2019 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 12: Yan Valery of Southampton reacts after being sent off during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Southampton FC at The King Power Stadium on January 12, 2019 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)

Valery has shown promise but needs to improve his match awareness

The youngster has burst onto the scene since Hasenhuttl’s arrival, signalling the new manager’s intent to draw upon the academy’s resources. Although Valery looked impressive in the first half against Leicester, his dismissal after two needless yellow cards indicated that the 19 year old has a lot to learn.

At the point of his dismissal, Southampton were narrowly ahead and his early bath could have cost the team dearly as they dealt with a second half onslaught from the Leicester attack. Whilst the new manager will be pleased with the way his remaining players stepped up, he will be quietly disappointed with the immaturity shown by Valery in pulling Albrighton back when already on a yellow card.

With Cedric and Ramsay both capable of playing right back, Southampton will not be unduly worried by the absence of Valery. Hopefully this will be a valuable learning curve for Valery, especially given that his teammates held on to secure a significant victory in the fight against relegation.