Southampton 0-1 Wolves: Analysing performances of 3 Saints players

Mohammed Salisu

Despite being floored by a smart piece of footwork from Raul Jiminez for the Wolves goal, Salisu had a generally impressive game on Sunday. Ironically given the end result (and leaving the very average defending for the goal aside), the centre back pairing of Salisu and Bednarek looked relatively solid against a Wolves attack shy of goals and imagination.

Salisu in particular is improving with every outing, including his passing and willingness to pass through the lines. His recovery pace is unusually quick for a centre back, whilst he shows great strength in the challenge and in the aerial battles. At the tender age of just 22, it will be exciting to see his development but the early signs are there that he will reach the very top.

If he can improve his communication with his defensive colleagues and on occasion, take a second before lunging in, he may well end up being Saints’ most important player this year. He did well to limit the impact of Podence all afternoon, as well as taming the hard working Jiminez, (with the glaring exception of the goal). Indeed, even with the goal, Salisu was attempting to come across to cover Bednarek’s error but credit is due to Jiminez , who sold a glorious dummy, which sent the Ghanaian centre helplessly the wrong way.