Southampton 1-2 Burnley: Premier League - Three Key Saints Players

Southampton 1-2 Burnley: Premier League – Three Key Saints Players

Burnley's Czech striker Matej Vydra (L) vies with Southampton's Danish defender Jannik Vestergaard during the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Burnley at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on February 15, 2020. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 15: Jannik Vestergaard of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Burnley FC at St Mary’s Stadium on February 15, 2020 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images) /

Jannik Vestergaard

The giant Dane is a divisive figure at Southampton. In theory, at nearly 2 metres he should be dominating opposition strikers both aerially and physically. Yet Hasenhuttl chose to pick Vestergaard over Jan Bednarek based on his assets when the team are in possession.

The gamble didn’t pay off. Although Vestergaard did win 5 aerials (source: WhoScored), he looked uncertain in possession and was unable to use his physicality to intimidate Burnley. Moreover, Stephens didn’t look as confident without his Polish partner in crime at his side.

Jannik Vestergaard clearly has potential and his record in Bundesliga shows there is a decent player within him. However, Hasenhuttl’s decision to prefer him over Bednarek backfired yesterday and it feels imperative to restore the Pole back to the starting eleven.