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

By Marc Walker

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 30: David Silva of Manchester City battles with James Ward-Prowse of Southampton and Yan Valery of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Manchester City at St Mary's Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 30: David Silva of Manchester City battles with James Ward-Prowse of Southampton and Yan Valery of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Manchester City at St Mary's Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – MAY 12: Jan Bednarek of Southampton in action 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: Jan Bednarek of Southampton in action 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) /

Alastair Case – Jan Bednarek

Tempting as it is to put James Ward-Prowse, young Polish centre back Bednarek has been a revelation at the back this season. Restored to the starting line up by Hasenhuttl after barely getting a look in under Mark Hughes, he has look cool and collected in an otherwise shaky defence.

Bednarek is undoubtedly still a raw prospect but having just turned 23 years old, the sky appears the limit for him. He has looked jaded in the final couple of games this season but when played in a central three, Bednarek has been a Rolls Royce in the heart of the defence.

Learning to command the defensive line would enhance his game further en route to becoming a complete defender and having cost just £5 million, he remains an absolute bargain. Fans will be hopeful that Jan Bednarek, alongside Vestergaard, Bertrand and Valery, can restore Southampton’s defence to being one of the tightest in the league.