Saints Marching
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Southampton vs Arsenal: FA Cup – Three Key Saints Players

By Alastair Case

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 23: Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager of Southampton interacts with Ibrahima Diallo following their side's victory after The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Southampton FC and Arsenal FC on January 23, 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 Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 23: Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager of Southampton interacts with Ibrahima Diallo following their side's victory after The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Southampton FC and Arsenal FC on January 23, 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 Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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Eddie Nketiah of Bournemouth closes down Jan Bednarek of Southampton (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
Eddie Nketiah of Bournemouth closes down Jan Bednarek of Southampton (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images) /

Jan Bednarek

The absence of Jannik Vestergaard after his sterling start to the season could have been catastrophic for Southampton, especially given the Dane’s valuable contributions in red and white this campaign. However, since the unfortunate injury to Vestergaard, Jan Bednarek has visibly grown in stature and confidence. Whilst credit is due to the much-maligned Jack Stephens for his part in the miserly defensive record over the last month, Bednarek has stepped up to the mark in valiant style.

Bednarek reads the game expertly and there were several examples against Arsenal where the “Polish Maldini” displayed an almost prophetic ability to anticipate Arsenal attacks. One example saw Arsenal counter sharply down the Southampton right and Bednarek showed a decent burst of pace to reach the oncoming attacker, before sliding with the precision of a missile to successfully tackle.

On the back of exceptional televised performances against Liverpool and Shrewsbury, it clear that Bednarek is starting to receive recognition for the part he has played in Southampton’s ascendance this season. He is becoming increasingly vocal during matches and is leading the defensive line with aplomb. Given that he arrived at Southampton with a price tag of just £5m, Bednarek is fast becoming one of their best bargains ever.