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Southampton 1-4 Chelsea: Premier League – Three Key Players

By Alastair Case

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 06: Yan Valery of Southampton is challenged by Christian Pulisic of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Chelsea FC at St Mary's Stadium on October 06, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 06: Yan Valery of Southampton is challenged by Christian Pulisic of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Chelsea FC at St Mary's Stadium on October 06, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) /
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 06: Yan Valery of Southampton is challenged by Christian Pulisic of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Chelsea FC at St Mary’s Stadium on October 06, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 06: Yan Valery of Southampton is challenged by Christian Pulisic of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Chelsea FC at St Mary’s Stadium on October 06, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) /

Yan Valery

Although this particular column normally attempts to focus on players who have impressed or been key to a positive Southampton performance, it is necessary to note that Valery’s performance was integral to the defeat suffered to Chelsea. There is no disputing that Valery has talent, especially when going forward but questions need to be asked as to whether the young Frenchman is better suited to a wing back role.

Valery has worked hard to get back into the squad after losing his place to Cedric earlier this season. After a purple patch last term, it looked as if Saints had another golden prospect on their books. Yet Valery was appalling defensively against a good (albeit not great) Chelsea side. The right back was caught out of position and guilty of backing off countless times as he was run ragged at St Mary’s.

His propensity to drive recklessly forward or to drift inside whilst Saints are in possession inevitably means that when the opposing side turn the ball over, there is a gaping hole on the right side of the Southampton defence. The Saints faithful will be hopeful that Cedric returns fit soon because based on this performance, Valery will be ruthlessly targeted by better teams than Chelsea.