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Southampton vs Shrewsbury Town: FA Cup – Saints Player Ratings

By Erik Franzo

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 19: Harry Chapman of Shrewsbury Town and Ibrahima Diallo of Southampton during the FA Cup Third Round match between Southampton and Shrewsbury Town on January 19, 2021 in Southampton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 19: Harry Chapman of Shrewsbury Town and Ibrahima Diallo of Southampton during the FA Cup Third Round match between Southampton and Shrewsbury Town on January 19, 2021 in Southampton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images) /
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Jan Bednarek of Southampton (Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)
Jan Bednarek of Southampton (Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images) /

Manager, Goalkeeper and Defenders

Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager – 8

One has to wonder how many changes Ralph would have made with a fit squad?  Credit must be given for handing Caleb Watts and Kegs Chauke their first opportunities with the seniors.  Didn’t use a sub until the 79th minute per usual and maybe was forced to have it be Adams and Armstrong.  Still didn’t want to use the 5 subs he was afforded, but got his team through seemingly without injury for Arsenal.

Fraser Forster, Goalkeeper – 9

Most of the first half was spent making routine passes with his feet.  Did get forced into a save in the 33rd minute, but it would not have counted because of offsides.  Commanded his back line and covered for them with any ball overtop.  It was a very clean game for Forster and it is comforting to know we have such a stout second keeper.

Jake Vokins, Left-Back – 7

Tested Shrewsbury’s back line with a couple curlers toward Yan Valery at the far post.  Surprisingly was given corner duty from the right side with three in-swingers to no avail, and was removed from his job shortly after.  Looks like a player capable of Premier League football, but needs to build his stamina to truly compete.  Hopefully will get there for Arsenal in a week’s time.

Jack Stephens, Centre-Back – 8

Was best penning the opposition in their own half.  Stephens is very comfortable on the ball, but lacked any incisiveness breaking down the defence.  Not being able to distribute with his left foot was an apparent weakness tonight.  Was unlucky not to score from a cross and limited Shrewsbury’s chances on goal overall.  Most importantly he appeared to remain fit for the weekend.

Jan Bednarek, Centre-Back – 9

Stood out in the first half defensively, intercepting a few Shrewsbury crosses. Used the match to work on his long diaganol and hit Shane Long well once in the first half.  Played rather comfortable defence and wasn’t challenged in possession.  You wish we didn’t have to use him, but he did the job at the highest level and should be fit for Arsenal.

Yan Valery, Right-Back – 7

His short, inside passes toward Diallo were always nervy.  Lost a touch from a Stephens pass right in front of the boss, but when he got running at defenders he drove Shrewsbury backwards.  Won a few corners for the team and flashed some real quickness at times.  Really was the creator for Southampton on the right side for the entirety of the match.  Unfortunately Valery’s confidence is not quite there and you could see it when Che set him up in the dying moments.  He needs game time to get back to full strength and there is a talent present, but this club may not be the situation Valery truly needs to develop.