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Southampton 2018/19 Season Player Review: Jan Bednarek

By Ryan Borowski

VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA - JUNE 28: Jan Bednarek of Poland celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group H match between Japan and Poland at Volgograd Arena on June 28, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA - JUNE 28: Jan Bednarek of Poland celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group H match between Japan and Poland at Volgograd Arena on June 28, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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One of the breakout stars and fan favorites since Hasenhuttl took over, Bednarek has endeared himself to fans and proven he is a star in the making.

The Polish International could not buy his way into the starting lineup under Mark Hughes. He was the forgotten man and it left many Saint fans scratching their heads as they saw Hoedt and Stephens being marched out week after week even after Jan proved himself at the end of the season prior and at the World cup for his native Poland.

Once Hughes was sacked and Bednarek got his chance to play he seized it and never let go. He became a fixture in the back for the Austrian manager and right from the start made tackles and interceptions that saved goals and ultimately saved points for the Saints who were fighting relegation all season long.

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) /

One that comes to mind is his goal line clearance against Leicester in early January. Up only a goal at the time, Leicester send it a set-piece that is deflected past McCarthy and is all but in until the Polish Maldini stick a foot out and clears it away.

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What a moment that was, all of Leicester’s supporters were already celebrating the equalizer only to have their hearts torn out by a 23-year-old who could not even get into the team a month ago. That was only one of the many defensive plays Bednarek made look routine the rest of the season.

Playing in just about half of the matches this season, Bednarek still finished 18th in clearances, 15th in blocks, and 24th in headed clearances. One can only imagine what he will do in a full seasons worth of work. I would have to believe he would easily be in the top 10 for those statistical categories and more.

Next season will be a big year for Jan. If he can build and improve off last season it would be tough leaving him out of the conversation as one of the best Centre-backs in the Premier League.

Bednarek’s Key PL Stats:

Appearances (all comps): 26 matches

Tackles: 1.6 per match

Interceptions: 2.8 per match

Clearances: 6.7 per match

Blocks: 1.1 per match

Assists: 1

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All stats according to WhoScored.com and PremierLeague.com