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‘Intelligent’ Southampton star hailed for Manchester United display

By Dakir Thanveer

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 12: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United battles for possession with Romain Perraud of Southampton during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Southampton FC at Old Trafford on March 12, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 12: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United battles for possession with Romain Perraud of Southampton during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Southampton FC at Old Trafford on March 12, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images) /
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Southampton legend Dean Hammond has waxed lyrical about Saints defender Romain Perraud for his impressive display against Manchester United.

Ruben Selles and Co. faced the Red Devils in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Sunday, 12th March. They held the giants to a 0-0 draw after Casemiro was sent-off in the first half.

Southampton have notably kept three clean sheets in their last four games. Perraud, who helped the side beat Chelsea last month, was among the defenders who impressed on Sunday.

Hammond has explained that the Frenchman is proving to be reliable in the Saints’ bid to survive relegation. The former captain also lauded the left-back’s intelligence and particularly hailed his cross for Theo Walcott, who failed to convert the chance.

"“Perraud, really reliable on that left-hand side”, Hammond said on Southampton’s The Final Whistle podcast.“He was getting himself forward, getting in good crossing positions.”“The cross for Theo Walcott, really intelligent, just stands it up.”“[He created] a few opportunities, tries to drive the ball across as well.”“Again, looks really fit and sharp for a player who’s not been in the team for a couple of weeks.”"

Apart from Perraud, Hammond was impressed with Southampton’s entire defence on Sunday. He heaped praise on goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu and also spoke highly of the other defenders.

Southampton great hails defenders

Hammond explained that the centre-back pairing of Arnel Bella-Kotchap and Jan Bednarek was impressive against Manchester United. He feels they are developing into a solid pairing.

"“Defensively, Bella-Kotchap, Bednarek, gaining a bit of a partnership and looked very, very solid”, Hammond added."

The midfielder also reserved praise for right-back Kyle Walker-Peters.

"“Kyle Walker-Peters, defensively and in one-on-one situations, looked good. Looked fit going forward, making those driving runs forward”, he said.“The back four and the goalkeeper were very, very good. I’m really impressed and have been for the last three or four weeks.”"

Southampton will look to build on the momentum when they face Brentford at St. Mary’s on Wednesday, 15th March.

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