Southampton: Vestergaard wants to stay and fight for spot

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 16: Jannik Vestergaard of Southamptonduring the FA Cup Third Round Replay match between Southampton FC and Derby County at St Mary's Stadium on January 16, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 16: Jannik Vestergaard of Southamptonduring the FA Cup Third Round Replay match between Southampton FC and Derby County at St Mary's Stadium on January 16, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

The out-of-favor centre-half has commented on his current situation at Southampton and says he does not want to leave but wants to fight.

In recent weeks, it has been rumored that Jannik Vestergaard would be shopped around in the January transfer window; as he has fallen out of favor with Hasenhuttl and has not featured in a League match since the change to a 4-2-2-2.

But, the defender has spoken to the media about his situation and he is keen on staying at the club and fighting for his spot back in the starting XI.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 31: Jannik Vestergaard of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Manchester United at St Mary’s Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 31: Jannik Vestergaard of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Manchester United at St Mary’s Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

“I will take up the challenge here, work hard at training with the aim of getting back into the line-up,” said Vestergaard.

Although, it is not necessarily up to the player to stay, if he wants to stay and fight and help the team I see no reason why we should ship him off.

Statistically he is one of the better defenders in the team but he is prone to mistakes that tend to cost the side.

He is a physical specimen and if he can improve his game and become more of a force in the backline there is no reason why he cannot be one of the better defenders in the league. What does hurt him is his pace and his decision making.

But, as we have seen with Jack Stephens, players can come back stronger than ever after falling out of favor for some time.

I still suspect they will bring in a defender or two this month but I think we will hold onto Vestergaard until at least the summer.