Ever since the Polish defender got his chance to start this season he has impressed and is an anchor in the back and looks like he is the real deal
Thus far, since getting his first start under Hasenhuttl, the 22-year-old’s statistics speak for themselves. According to WhoScored.com, Bednarek is averaging 1.7 tackles a match, 2.5 interceptions, 6.6 clearances a match, 1.3 blocks, and an average match rating of 7.11.
Those numbers are fantastic and it is hard to see a reason why Hughes would have left him out of the lineups week-in and week-out.
In addition to these numbers, the Polish Maldini, looks like a natural leader out there and the ultimate team player. A great example of this is just last match against Cardiff when Jack Stephens leveled the game in extra-time. When the camera cut to a shot of Stephens celebrating his goal, Bednarek can be seen with a huge smile on his face and genuinely seemed like the happiest man in the world.
Celebrating your teammate’s success and the teams overall success goes a long way. When a player can put aside his personal ambitions and statistics for the ambition of the club and its success is what creates a great team atmosphere and a winning culture.
If he continues this run form for the remainder of the season and continues making goal line clearances and goal saving blocks, Southampton will have a boost in their relegation scrap. With the end of the season rapidly approaching and the Saints finding themselves in the bottom 3 again, players will look towards their young leader in Bednarek and follow his example.
Season Grade: A