Southampton: My Saints Team of the Decade

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – MARCH 21: Kelvin Davis of Southampton gestures during the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and Burnley at St Mary’s Stadium on March 21, 2015 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images) /

Manager, Goalkeeper and Defenders

Ronald Koeman, Manager

Key stat: 91 games in charge, 1.64 points per game

Saints became a real force under the Dutchman’s leadership and secured two seasons of European football after finishes of seventh and sixth.

Nigel Adkins and Mauricio Pochettino were also huge for the club in the last decade, so perhaps Ronald can include them in his backroom staff here…

Kelvin Davis, Goalkeeper

Key stat: 298 appearances, 95 clean sheets

Part of the Saints first-team squad for 10 years and played with superb consistency throughout that spell – deservedly got a testimonial so that the fans could show their appreciation. His performance against Leeds will live long in the memory.

An honourable mention must go to Fraser Forster, who was very good in his best years for the club.

Nathaniel Clyne, Right-Back

Key stat: 104 appearances, 5 goals

A very good attacking force down the right whilst at the club and capable of weighing in with the odd screamer from time to time.

None of the other players who have been our right-back in the last ten years have had the same impact.

Jose Fonte, Centre-Back

Key stat: 286 appearances, 15 goals

Brilliant for many years, including the two promotion seasons that saw Saints return to the Premier League.

An honourable mention to his defensive partner in the Championship in Jos Hooiveld.

Virgil van Dijk, Centre-Back

Key stat: 80 appearances, 7 goals

One of the best signings that Saints will ever make and they were the team to reap the rewards of their gamble on the Dutchman when he was sold to Liverpool for £75m.

Toby Alderweireld deserves a mention here for his great single season with the club.

Ryan Bertrand, Left-Back

Key stat: 188 appearances to date, 8 goals

Of all the left-backs that have played for Saints this decade, Bertrand has to be included here because of his consistency in his early seasons and the length of time he has been first-choice.

Luke Shaw and Matt Targett both had their memorable moments too but in shorter periods of time.

Southampton: My Saints Team of the Decade – Marc Walker

By Marc Walker | Jan 1, 2020