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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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Ibrahima Diallo of Southampton (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
Ibrahima Diallo of Southampton (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images) /

Ibrahima Diallo

Talking of bargains, Diallo once again looked the real deal against Arsenal, quietly going about his business in the middle of the park. It is worth noting that Oriol Romeu was in superb form prior to his untimely injury but such is the impression that Diallo has made since his summer move from France, it could be a tough task for Romeu to regain his spot.

Diallo is improving rapidly with every game and whilst his passing is occasionally found wanting, his energy and willingness to act as a pivot for other players is essential to the way Saints are playing currently. His diminutive stature belies a wiry strength and surprising pace, as evidenced by his ability to match the sprinting Pepe in a rare Arsenal attack. On that occasion, Diallo not only kept up with the Ivorian winger, but he also managed to dispossess him with a coolness Steve McQueen would have been proud of.

There is something pleasantly unfussy about his style of play, which compliments James Ward-Prowse alongside him. Furthermore, there is evidence that Diallo is comfortable in travelling with the ball and this desire suits Hasenhuttl’s blueprint for rapid transition from box to box. Whisper it quietly but Diallo looks a gem and given that his arrival was almost accidental following the collapse of talks with Weston McKennie, here is a player who could assist Saints in their quest for European football.