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Southampton 1-3 Bournemouth: Premier League – Three Key Players

By Alastair Case

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Sofiane Boufal of Southampton is challenged by Diego Rico (L) and Callum Wilson (R) of AFC Bournemouth during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and AFC Bournemouth at St Mary's Stadium on September 20, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Sofiane Boufal of Southampton is challenged by Diego Rico (L) and Callum Wilson (R) of AFC Bournemouth during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and AFC Bournemouth at St Mary's Stadium on September 20, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) /
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 20: Oriol Romeu of Southampton is challenged by Dominic Solanke of AFC Bournemouth during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and AFC Bournemouth at St Mary’s Stadium on September 20, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 20: Oriol Romeu of Southampton is challenged by Dominic Solanke of AFC Bournemouth during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and AFC Bournemouth at St Mary’s Stadium on September 20, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) /

Oriol Romeu

Romeu’s turnaround from being a pariah under Mark Hughes to the heartbeat of the team in the Hasenhuttl era has been remarkable. The Spaniard was fantastic throughout the game at St Mary’s but especially in the second half, where he epitomised the pressing and tackling which Saints successfully showed in the middle third of the pitch.

Completing a game high ten tackles and two interceptions (source WhoScored), he shone in a losing cause. His customary yellow card aside, Romeu can rightly take comfort from the fact his dynamic performance never allowed Bournemouth a moment’s rest.

However, it was not just his tackling which is worthy of a mention; Romeu was calm on the ball and always keen to get others involved with some neat and incisive passing. With Portsmouth looming on the horizon, Romeu must make his presence felt in what is sure to be a physical encounter.