Southampton: How could Saints’ starting line-up look next season?

Southampton's Austrian manager Ralph Hasenhuttl walks on th e pitch ahead of the English Premier League football match between Everton and Southampton at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on July 9, 2020. (Photo by Clive Brunskill / POOL / 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 CLIVE BRUNSKILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Southampton's Austrian manager Ralph Hasenhuttl walks on th e pitch ahead of the English Premier League football match between Everton and Southampton at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on July 9, 2020. (Photo by Clive Brunskill / POOL / 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 CLIVE BRUNSKILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
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Mohammed Salisu of Real Valladolid CF (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Mohammed Salisu of Real Valladolid CF (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Goalkeeper and Defenders

Alex McCarthy, Goalkeeper

Saints’ goalkeeper situation is not perfect by any means, but McCarthy’s recent form has seen him become a key part of the team and take on a different role.

It has been rumoured that Fraser Forster will return to compete for the number 1 jersey and that could mean a loan spell for Angus Gunn.

Kyle Walker-Peters, Right-Back

Struggled to get into the team at first but has thrived since the Premier League’s restart. Saints must pursue a permanent deal with Spurs keen to sell and the 23-year-old looking a perfect fit for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s system.

Jan Bednarek, Centre-Back

Bednarek is quietly going about his business at St Mary’s but is a huge asset for Saints to have at this time. More consistent football under Hasenhuttl and he will grow into a superb defender.

Mohammed Salisu, Centre-Back 

Close to becoming Saints’ first signing of the summer and expected to arrive for around £10.9m. Left-footed and could be the dominant presence to push the defence to the next level in the next few years.

Ryan Bertrand, Left-Back

Has really stepped it up recently and looks to be thriving in a strong Saints team at the moment. An important part of the squad to help nurture young players breaking through.