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Sheffield United vs. Southampton: Premier League – Player Ratings

By Erik Franzo

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - MARCH 06: Che Adams of Southampton celebrates with teammates Nathan Tella and Takumi Minamino after scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Southampton at Bramall Lane on March 06, 2021 in Sheffield, 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 Stu Forster/Getty Images)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - MARCH 06: Che Adams of Southampton celebrates with teammates Nathan Tella and Takumi Minamino after scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Southampton at Bramall Lane on March 06, 2021 in Sheffield, 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 Stu Forster/Getty Images) /
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Jannik Vestergaard of Southampton (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Jannik Vestergaard of Southampton (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /

Manager, Goalkeeper and Defenders

Ralph Hasenhuttl, Manager – 8

Got three first-teamers back to training and said, yep, you’re all playing.  You could feel this was a turning point of the season type of game and when does Ralph not go all-in?  He got the lineup right, made his typical substitutions and watched his team miss an opportunity to win 4-0.  Let’s just hope he gets some sense and doesn’t push his chips in again on Wednesday against the eventual champs.

Fraser Forster, Goalkeeper – 8

A second consecutive start was hinted at when Hasenhuttl was questioned about McCarthy in his presser.  Was very confident with his feet early, but looked awkward covering his far post during corners.  First save was in the 40th minute and it was nervy yet routine.  Another shutout means he retains the number 1 and one has to wonder what he will need to do to lose it?

Ryan Bertrand, Left-Back – 5

Picked his spots to go forward and probably should have done better on two first half opportunities in the box.  A couple times was extremely late in recovery and if United had any ability to move the ball across the pitch he would have been punished.  Should have gotten an assist on his pass to Minamino, but he looked tired and leggy and even unwilling at times, which is a very worrying sign.

Jannik Vestergaard, Centre-Back – 6

Played a couple very loose passes early on.  Took him almost 40 minutes to look to KWP on the diaganol.  Massive sliding tackle to open the second half with the team severely outnumbered.  Won a couple headers defensively, but nothing offensively as he drifts towards the back post on most opportunities.

Jan Bednarek, Centre-Back – 9

Solid defensively through the first 30 as his partner tested him often.  Looked to get a confidence boost once the team went ahead and saved Diallo right before the half.  Thought he was the rock in the back line today despite some believing Salisu should start ahead of him.  Fans are too quickly to forget his passion for our club and his standard of play.

Kyle Walker-Peters, Right-Back – 6

Instantly showed his confidence with the ball relieving the Sheffield press.  His ability to maintain possession without passing is an underrated trait within the Southampton squad.  Although he had a couple uncharacteristic lost balls springing Sheffield counters.  It is nice that he made it through healthy, but it wold be nicer if his manager rested him midweek.