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)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/b35a76663580ab2633244734671d58bd5dac234780ef9dbd7f3dfeacce18f3c2.jpg)
Marc Walker – Jan Bednarek
As has been previously mentioned, there are a number of players who would be worthy winners of this category.
Yan Valery has become a cool and calm first-team presence whilst still only 20-years-old, and I imagine every Saints fan has been delighted at how James Ward-Prowse has finally become a dominant and productive midfielder.
The man that really rose to the challenge during the past season for me though was Jan Bednarek. The Polish international has an amazing ability to make last ditch blocks and vital challenges that have potentially saved many a goal for his side.
His performances under Ralph Hasenhuttl highlighted a glaring error by Mark Hughes when he left him out of the side and he now looks set to be a key man in defence into the future. At 23, he could improve hugely in his time at St Mary’s too.
Next. Saints announce home pre-season friendly with FC Koln. dark