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Leicester City vs. Southampton – Premier League – Saints Player Ratings

By Erik Franzo

Southampton players reacts after conceding the first goal during the English Premier League football match between Leicester City and Southampton at King Power Stadium in Leicester, central England on January 16, 2021. (Photo by Rui Vieira / 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 RUI VIEIRA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Southampton players reacts after conceding the first goal during the English Premier League football match between Leicester City and Southampton at King Power Stadium in Leicester, central England on January 16, 2021. (Photo by Rui Vieira / 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 RUI VIEIRA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Alex McCarthy of Southampton (Photo by Tim Keeton – Pool/Getty Images)
Alex McCarthy of Southampton (Photo by Tim Keeton – Pool/Getty Images) /

Manager, Goalkeeper and Defenders

Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager – 8

Said his team was confident heading into the match and they played the first 25 minutes that way.  Went with an expected team, with Will Smallbone the only surprise and more likely than not a product of fitness.  Many will question his substitutions and complain about the team’s depth, but he got the most out of his squad who had a real crack at Leicester.  The youth movement will kickoff on Tuesday and Ralph will still be proud of his team’s fight tonight.

Alex McCarthy, Goalkeeper – 9

Back from his COVID-19 isolation and played a screamer of a pass to Theo Walcott at the halfway line for a first touch.  Went airborne for a set piece clearance without a moments’ hesitation in a sign of confidence.  Maddison’s goal was unstoppable from only a few yards out.  McCarthy kept the team in the match as Southampton pushed for a goal and is playing with an aura of full belief right now.

Ryan Bertrand, Left-Back – 7

First couple runs forward he wasn’t given an opportunity, then James Ward-Prowse picked him out perfectly, and if not for Kasper Schmeichel’s second hand, his shot would have powered into the net.  Earned his fifth yellow card and will miss the next Southampton match, so Voikins is likely to earn a start.  Brings his experience and combines well with Armstrong, but is missing his partner Redmond.

Jack Stephens, Centre-Back – 6

Rolled by Maddison 1v1 for the opening goal.  Megged by Perez on the touchline and was exposed a bit for pace today.  Many are going to see Stephens as the scapegoat, but he was not all that bad.  He broke up some attacks with immediate pressure and helped keep Vardy out of goal.

Jan Bednarek, Centre-Back – 8

Cut out four or five passes in the first half hour as Leicester looked direct to Vardy to no avail.  Made a uncharacteristic mistake late, but his recovery reaction was fantastic.  Cleared a Barnes rebound off the line and was rock solid as always in possession.  Needs to add an ability to cut through the lines via the pass with Vestergaard out.

Kyle Walker-Peters, Right-Back – 7

Got on the ball early and drove forward a couple attacks, but none of them ended in an attempt on target.  Wasn’t his clean usual self today, but it looked like he was frustrated at times with options ahead of him.  Had more than one opportunity to run into the box and needs to add confidence in this area to show some development.