Burnley 1-1 Southampton: Premier League – Three Key Players

BURNLEY, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 02: Danny Ings of Southampton is challenged by Ben Mee of Burnley during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Southampton FC at Turf Moor on February 2, 2019 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 02: Danny Ings of Southampton is challenged by Ben Mee of Burnley during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Southampton FC at Turf Moor on February 2, 2019 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 16: Jan Bednarek of Southampton celebrates victory after the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Arsenal FC at St Mary’s Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 16: Jan Bednarek of Southampton celebrates victory after the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Arsenal FC at St Mary’s Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Jan Bednarek

The 22 year-old Polish centre-back has been nothing short of astounding since being thrust into the starting eleven by Ralph Hasenhuttl.

Against Burnley, Bednarek was again a star, effectively removing Chris Wood from the game, while covering for Ward-Prowse at wing-back.  He even earned himself an assist, spotting the forward pass to Nathan Redmond which led to his game-changing strike.  This pass, should be seen as a display of development, after all three centre-backs were guilty of getting caught in possession midweek against Crystal Palace.

It is unbelievable that Mark Hughes did not give Bednarek a shot considering how well he has faired under Hasenhuttl.  Preferring the recently departed Wesley Hoedt over Bednarek appears to be one of the main reasons Southampton are in a relegation battle, but hopefully home fixtures against Cardiff and Fulham will change our fortune; and it is clear that Jan Bednarek will be a massive influence if the Saints are to climb away from the bottom of the table.