Saints Marching
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Southampton: Saints Marching’s 2018/19 Player of the Season

By Marc Walker

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 09: Southampton players form a huddle on the pitch after the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary's Stadium on March 09, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 09: Southampton players form a huddle on the pitch after the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary's Stadium on March 09, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images) /
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 19: Nathan Redmond of Southampton celebrates with teammate James Ward-Prowse after his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Everton FC at St Mary’s Stadium on January 19, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 19: Nathan Redmond of Southampton celebrates with teammate James Ward-Prowse after his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Everton FC at St Mary’s Stadium on January 19, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /

Harry Tizard – Nathan Redmond

Unlike last season, the Southampton fans were spoilt for choice on their player of the season.

Jan Bednarek came straight into the team under Ralph Hasenhuttl, and did not look back. The Polish international took his opportunity with both hands and has been an ever present figure. A favourite among the fans has been essential in helping solidifying the defence for a most part, but has not quite won the award for me.

Close, but without reward, is also Southampton prodigy James Ward-Prowse. The Englishman, who has gained his place back into the England squad, has really applied himself under the new boss. Struggling to get into the team under Hughes, Prowse has gained a tenacious attitude in the midfield that was previously hiding, allowing him to become a more well rounded midfielder. Not only this, Ward-Prowse has come up with some very important goals – with his free kick against Tottenham, and late goal against Crystal Palace coming to mind.

However, the winner for me is Nathan Redmond. The former Norwich City man has added goals and assists since the new manager has arrived (seemingly a common theme with player development thus far). Despite always having a sense of directness when going towards goal, his positive runs are starting to be rewarded. With ten goal contributions in the league (plus a handful in the cup), next season could be the one where he really kicks on. The Englishman has also found himself back in the England squad, which really pays tribute to how he has played down the south coast, where the Saints seem unable to play their natural game without him in the side.