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Burnley 3-0 Southampton: Premier League – Three Key Players

By Erik Franzo

BURNLEY, ENGLAND - AUGUST 10: James Ward-Prowse of Southampton is challenged by Jack Cork of Burnley during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Southampton FC at Turf Moor on August 10, 2019 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - AUGUST 10: James Ward-Prowse of Southampton is challenged by Jack Cork of Burnley during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Southampton FC at Turf Moor on August 10, 2019 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 04: Oriol Romeu of Southampton applauds fans after the Premier League match between West Ham United and Southampton FC at London Stadium on May 04, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 04: Oriol Romeu of Southampton applauds fans after the Premier League match between West Ham United and Southampton FC at London Stadium on May 04, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /

Oriol Romeu

Oriol was the Saints best player in the first half of Saturday’s match.  He was all over the pitch breaking up attacks, making quintessential tackles, and pouncing on second balls.  Romeu’s distribution could have been stronger, but he covered as much ground as any Southampton player.

Receiving the ball from 20-25 yards out, he did not look all that comfortable, but playing as the six between the front 3 and the back 3 may be the most important role of the team.  Those Saints fans desperate for a Kevin Danson siting next weekend know why.  The front three are not asked to defend all that much, and the back three don’t do an exceptional job defending at all.  Therefore Romeu and his partner Ward-Prowse displayed exceptional fitness in week 1.

A forgotten man before Hasenhuttl’s arrival and now a key cog in 2019-20 season, it was good to see Romeu sharp right out of the gate.  It will just be interesting to see how the manager distributes the time between Ward-Prowse, Hojbjerg, and the Spaniard if sticking with the 3-4-3.