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Southampton: Who should replace Bednarek vs Crystal Palace?

By Marc Walker

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 28: Jan Bednarek of Southampton looks on during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Crystal Palace at St Mary's Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 28: Jan Bednarek of Southampton looks on during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Crystal Palace at St Mary's Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) /
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 28: Maya Yoshida of Southampton looks on prior to the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Crystal Palace at St Mary’s Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 28: Maya Yoshida of Southampton looks on prior to the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Crystal Palace at St Mary’s Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images) /

Maya Yoshida

It will be difficult to replace Bednarek in the current system but Yoshida may be the most reliable player to do so.

The Japanese international has not started a Premier League game since the record-breaking 9-0 home loss to Leicester City back in October but will want to put things right if he returns to the fold.

Yoshida’s 11 appearances so far this campaign have seen him play 768 minutes of football, but worryingly Saints conceded no less than 20 goals during that time – mainly thanks to the loss to Leicester.

Given that his contract is up at the end of June too, the 31-year-old has limited chances left to play before potentially leaving the club.