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Southampton vs Sheffield United: Premier League – Player Ratings

By Erik Franzo

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 13: Che Adams of Southampton celebrates with teammate Theo Walcott after scoring their team's first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Sheffield United at St Mary's Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Southampton, England. A limited number of spectators (2000) are welcomed back to stadiums to watch elite football across England. This was following easing of restrictions on spectators in tiers one and two areas only. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 13: Che Adams of Southampton celebrates with teammate Theo Walcott after scoring their team's first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Sheffield United at St Mary's Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Southampton, England. A limited number of spectators (2000) are welcomed back to stadiums to watch elite football across England. This was following easing of restrictions on spectators in tiers one and two areas only. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) /
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Jannik Vestergaard of Southampton (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Jannik Vestergaard of Southampton (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /

Manager, Goalkeeper and Defenders

Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager – 9

No surprises in his starting 11 as Danny Ings returned fit.  Theo Walcott and Stuart Armstrong are currently winning the winger position and it looks like Dan N’Lundulu has overtaken Shane Long for a bench spot.  The 4-2-2-2 remains consistent and you can tell every week it is an even more well-oiled machine.  Today he watched his team decimate Sheffield and even kill the game off before the 90th minute all in front of the Southampton faithful.  What he is building is tremendous and if you are not along for the ride at this point, you already missed the train.

Alex McCarthy, Goalkeeper – 9

Showed the confidence with the ball early on, playing a tidy reverse pass with Oliver McBurnie’s pressure a step away.  Handled the ball just once in the first half and he did bobble the set piece delivery.  It’s tough to give him a rating when he only played with his feet, but that is increasingly becoming the most important part of his game within Ralph’s system.

Ryan Bertrand, Left-Back – 9

Eager to get forward with Southampton in control.  These are the types of games Bertrand relishes, but it can cause some tactical issues the moment possession is lost.  Sheffield offered nothing though and Bertrand played his game like a kid in a candy store.  He was sprinting forward in the dying minutes and winning headers on adrenaline alone.  Hopefully the increased enthusiasm is a sign of a signing!

Jannik Vestergaard, Centre-Back – 9

The Dane could be seen cutting up defenders 20 yards from the Blades goal with Southampton in possession.  On the Saints second corner, he had a chance to replicate his header a week ago, but flashed it wide.  Do we dare say he probably should have scored today?  Regardless, Mohammed Salisu and Jack Stephens are going to have a very difficult time finding their way off the bench.

Jan Bednarek, Centre-Back – 9

Earned himself an assist as popped the ball of his shoulder to a poaching Che Adams.  Defended as well as you can when your team dominates the game.  Few moments of major impact to note in what was a stressless performance for the centre-back.

Kyle Walker-Peters, Right-Back – 9

His ability to beat defenders 1v1 with the ball was a big reason Southampton were able to overcome Sheffield’s second half press.  His first touch, regardless of the situation is 100% pure and we are running out of good things to say about his week to week consistency.