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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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Southampton’s English midfielder James Ward-Prowse (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Southampton’s English midfielder James Ward-Prowse (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Midfielders

James Ward-Prowse, Centre-Midfielder – 8

Spent the first half cleaning up his teammates passes missing their marks.  Played the ball forward to Caleb Watts leading to the first goal.  His first two set piece chances looked to be disrupted by wind.  The final set piece was a beauty, from an angle few would convert with the dip and pace he created.  Unbelievable how he ate up another 93 minutes of football and led his team to round 4.  May be artificial intelligence.

Ibrahima Diallo, Centre-Midfielder – 9

Really stood out in the first 15 minutes, maintaining possession and using his agility to move the team forward.  Even got himself in shooting position for what seemed to be the first time in all his appearances.  Did not look entirely comfortable going forward and may have taken a goal had he moved more confidently into the penalty area.  Ran until he was removed with a minute left and even with Oriol Romeu back soon, deserves a real shout at maintaining his place.

Kegs Chauke, Attacking-Midfielder – 6

Very unmemorable first half as he often looked to check short for teammates when it would have been better to take defenders away.  A couple flashes of athleticism and creativity, but it was definitely a stepping-stone type match for the youngster.

Caleb Watts, Attacking-Midfielder – 8 

Brought the ball down off a VAR confirmed shoulder leading to the first goal.  Looked good turning and taking on defenders without fear.  One very nice first half attacking run after a sly cruyff turn on the touchline.  Showed some understanding of Ralph’s style through multiple well timed presses.  Has a game similar to Redmond and a pretty confident showing from the Australian youngster.