Fulham vs. Southampton: Premier League

Fulham vs. Southampton: Premier League – Saints Player Ratings

By Erik Franzo | Dec 26, 2020

Southampton's French midfielder Ibrahima Diallo vies with Fulham's English midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek (L) during the English Premier League football match between Fulham and Southampton at Craven Cottage in London on December 26, 2020. (Photo by Adam Davy / 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 ADAM DAVY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Southampton’s English midfielder Theo Walcott (C) (Photo by JOHN WALTON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Midfielders

James Ward-Prowse, Centre-Midfielder – 9

Did double-duty on second balls and was precise in picking them out. His first crack at goal was perfect, but credit to Areola for an amazing set-piece save. Absolute workhorse who got stuck into everything and we should be happy Romeu was suspended and not him.

Ibrahima Diallo, Centre-Midfielder – 7

As Ralph alluded to all week, Ibrahima was handed his full Saints debut. Was not asked to take the possession load of Romeu, but when he got on the ball, most of his passing was crisp. When he did lose the ball, his press was immediate, showing strong instincts in transition. Battled alongside Ward-Prowse and did a pretty darn good job for 94 minutes.

Stuart Armstrong, Attacking-Midfielder – 6

Asked to get underneath the strikers and pick up second balls, but did not get much opportunity in the first half to do so. Few involvements in the entirety of the second period in a game that was screaming out for a creative spark.

Theo Walcott, Attacking-Midfielder – 6

Difficult to watch in the first half, barely got on the ball and when he did he could not find his footing. Scored a beautiful first time goal that was taken down for Che Adams’ offside infraction. Tried to dribble at the Fulham backline late in the match, but never found an option he liked.