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Southampton: How Saints could line up with new signings involved

ByMarc Walker|
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 04: Ralph Hasenhuttl of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and West Bromwich Albion at St Mary's Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Southampton, 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 Robin Jones/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 04: Ralph Hasenhuttl of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and West Bromwich Albion at St Mary's Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Southampton, 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 Robin Jones/Getty Images)

Southampton completed their summer transfer business on Monday after sealing the capture of Theo Walcott on a season-long loan from Everton.

The Saints academy graduate joins Mohammed Salisu, Kyle Walker-Peters and Ibrahima Diallo as the players to arrive during the window and all four players will hope to play a big part this season.

Players who were already at the club have done a good job in securing two consecutive Premier League wins against Burnley and West Brom recently but manager Ralph Hasenhuttl certainly has plenty of options to ponder now.

Those who drop to the bench to make way will be unlucky after showing their worth in previous matches but will also know that they will be called upon at some point during the campaign.

Below is how Saints could line up with all four of their new men involved:

Danny Ings with his Southampton team-mates (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
Danny Ings with his Southampton team-mates (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)

Goalkeeper

Alex McCarthy

Defenders

Kyle Walker-Peters, Jan Bednarek, Mohammed Salisu, Ryan Bertrand

Central-Midfielders

James Ward-Prowse, Ibrahima Diallo

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Attacking-Midfielders

Theo Walcott, Nathan Redmond

Strikers

Danny Ings, Che Adams

This would be Saints’ strongest team if all four new signings were included, but there will be debates had over the coming weeks and months about personnel and positions.

For example, both Jack Stephens and Jannik Vestergaard will feel unfortunate to be behind Bednarek and Salisu given that they have put in very good showings so far.

Oriol Romeu has also been superb in the centre of midfield in the last two matches but will probably be the man to make way when Diallo proves he is ready to play his first game for the club.

Theo Walcott has played mostly on the right wing for Arsenal and Everton during his career but can also play as a striker, meaning he has the potential to fill in for Ings or Adams if needed.

The 31-year-old will have to work hard to push the likes of Stuart Armstrong and Moussa Djenepo out of the team though given their creative abilities.