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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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Will Smallbone of Southampton (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Will Smallbone of Southampton (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) /

Midfielders

James Ward-Prowse, Centre-Midfielder – 7

Played a true #6 today covering for the play in front of him.  Totally cut the Leicester defence apart on the through ball to Bertrand before the half.  Broke up counters for most of the game with interceptions, tackles, and fouls.  Rarely moved forward and his corners were surprisingly ineffective.  Still ran forever and is a true ironman of the Premier League.

Ibrahima Diallo, Centre-Midfielder – 7

Plays like a leaner, quicker and more agile Romeu.  Lost possession in the build up to the opener, but the referee impeded his run and he looked to be fouled.  Picked up his own yellow before the half which tested his reserve.  Very good with the ball and could only count one or two giveaways.  He is polished for a 21 year old and likely has a big future.

Stuart Armstrong, Attacking-Midfielder – 7

Picked off a Tielemans pass and started a good counter.  Was late getting into the box on two key attacks however, which surely could have led to goals.  Most likely Saint to score and smashed one off the bar late.  As good as he is in orchestrating Southampton breaks, his timing is consistently off when arriving in scoring position.  Probably should have scored twice today and many will disagree with this rating.

Will Smallbone, Attacking-Midfielder – 7

First couple touches were oxidized, but he quickly grew into the game taking up pockets between the Leicester lines.  Played some silky football combining with Theo and Che, and put a good attempt on frame in the second half.  Unfortunately he got beat up before exiting and one has to hope he is fit enough to give some minutes against Shrewsbury.