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Southampton 1-1 Huddersfield: Premier League – Three Match takeaways

By Erik Franzo

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MAY 12: Jonathan Hogg of Huddersfield Town battles for possession with Danny Ings of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Huddersfield Town at St Mary's Stadium on May 12, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MAY 12: Jonathan Hogg of Huddersfield Town battles for possession with Danny Ings of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Huddersfield Town at St Mary's Stadium on May 12, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images) /
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – MAY 12: Ralph Hasenhuttl of Austria the Southampton manager instructs his players during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Huddersfield Town at St Mary’s Stadium on May 12, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – MAY 12: Ralph Hasenhuttl of Austria the Southampton manager instructs his players during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Huddersfield Town at St Mary’s Stadium on May 12, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images) /

A Showcase of Trust

The starting eleven Ralph Hasenhuttl penned against Huddersfield was most likely the players he trusted most.  These were the individuals who got him across the relegation line, and most of whom will be moving forward as important parts of the team next season.  Of course with a couple of question marks thrown in.

Nathan Redmond proved he is the crown jewel of the 2018-19 season, however, Jan Bednarek may have an even brighter future.  James Ward-Prowse displayed tremendous development, and Jan Valery has the makings of a truly exciting prospect.  Ryan Bertrand will head into his sixth season as a Saint, and rejuvenated Oriol Romeu will undoubtedly continue to be Ralph’s enforcer.

As much as Southampton fans can’t believe it, Shane Long has proved his worth yet again to another Saints manager.  His goal scoring run changed a few minds, but more importantly he has won the support of Hasenhuttl. Angus Gunn may have to continue to outplay Alex McCarthy, but mistakes aside, at 23, he has earned his keep.  Finally, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, as a fan favourite needs little argument for his future role with the Saints.  That is, if we can hold onto him.

This leaves the future of Jack Stephens to be discussed, as his inclusion was by default.  There is a chance he will be kept around as depth, but likely as a 5th or 6th choice centre-back, and is that really worth it? The other player to be discussed is our second takeaway, as the Huddersfield game did not do much to justify Danny Ings’ price tag.