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Southampton vs. West Ham: Premier League – Saints Player Ratings

By Erik Franzo

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 29: Said Benrahma of West Ham United takes a shot under pressure from Jack Stephens of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and West Ham United at St Mary's Stadium on December 29, 2020 in Southampton, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 29: Said Benrahma of West Ham United takes a shot under pressure from Jack Stephens of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and West Ham United at St Mary's Stadium on December 29, 2020 in Southampton, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) /
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Theo Walcott of Southampton (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Theo Walcott of Southampton (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) /

Midfielders

James Ward-Prowse, Centre-Midfielder – 8

Any youth CM needs to watch him play to understand the importance of picking up second balls.  His ability to read the play around him is tremendous.  Maybe too close to goal on his first half free kick and nearly spilled a chance to Lanzini right before the whistle.  This match screamed for a centre-mid to take a risk and join the attack, but he was too busy orchestrating the role Vestergaard would normally occupy.

Oriol Romeu, Centre-Midfielder – 9

Found himself in shooting position a minute in, highlighting his new comfortability going forward.  Maintained possession as usual, but with West Ham falling back it may have been a more suitable match for Ibrahima Diallo.  Did absolutely nothing wrong though and as consistent as ever.

Moussa Djenepo, Attacking-Midfielder – 6

A first half meg was the extent of his highlights.  Needed to be given more opportunities 1v1, but the ball spent most of its time on the right.  Was decent in defensive recovery today and that is a big step forward in his development.  He and Bertrand must find a better partnership to produce down the left flank.

Theo Walcott, Attacking-Midfielder – 8

Highly involved in the first 5 minutes, finding the ball in excellent attacking position.  If you’re asking viewers who stood out the most it was clearly him.  A couple strikes from distance and a few good crosses picked out teammates as he looked most confident to take West Ham conceding space.