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Burnley 0-1 Southampton: Premier League – Three Key Players

By Erik Franzo

BURNLEY, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 26: Jannik Vestergaard of Southampton and Jan Bednarek of Southampton celebrate following their sides victory in the Premier League match between Burnley and Southampton at Turf Moor on September 26, 2020 in Burnley, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 26: Jannik Vestergaard of Southampton and Jan Bednarek of Southampton celebrate following their sides victory in the Premier League match between Burnley and Southampton at Turf Moor on September 26, 2020 in Burnley, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
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Jannik Vestergaard of Southampton (Photo by Jon Super – Pool/Getty Images)
Jannik Vestergaard of Southampton (Photo by Jon Super – Pool/Getty Images) /

Man of the Match – Jannik Vestergaard

How many would have guessed it?  In reality, how many fans even wanted to see him in the side?

Jannik Vestergaard put in an excellent all-around performance coming in for Jack Stephens.  His aerial presence cut Matej Vydra out of the match and helped deal with a plethora of Burnley set pieces.  More importantly, it was his quality and confidence on the ball which helped move possession quickly out of the back and relieve pressure from his side.

Vestergaard is rumoured to be wanted by both West Ham and Leicester City, and before this performance many fans would have personally chauffeured him to his new club.  After his effort, he looks to be a part of the deepest positional unit within the Southampton side.  Competition for place drives development and it looks like Vestergaard has benefited from his fellow centre-backs.  If he can limit his mistakes and pass the way he did Saturday, he will have a real case to earn 20 PL starts this season.

Players who offer something different than their counterparts are important to a manager’s game planning, especially with unique sides like Burnley.  Vestergaard already impacted the Crystal Palace match at half time, and now put in a full 90 minute display.  When a player digs in like he has, taken his criticism and turned performances around, you need to find a way to get him in the side and it looks like Vestergaard has earned his share of the minutes.