Saints defender plays in midfield for U21 side before first-team return

Southampton's captain Jack Stephens is one of the most experienced players in the Southampton squad since joining the first-team squad in 2013. During that time, the 30-year-old had went on four different loan moves, and has established himself as the first-choice central defender at the club. Stephens captained Southampton to achieve Premier League promotion last season and has made a total of 185 appearances for the Saints. 

Hence, Stephens is one of the defensive leaders of the team and is expected to again form a brilliant centre-back partnership alongside Jan Bednarek and Taylor Harwood-Bellis at the heart of the defence. However, that hasn't been the case so far, with Stephens receiving a red card against Manchester United in a 3-0 home defeat. The 30-year-old has missed five games for Southampton, and is rumoured to return to the matchday squad in the away match against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City. 

Saints defender plays in midfield for U21 side before first-team return

Thus, Stephens is working on improving his form and fitness, and even played for Southampton's U21 side in their 4-1 win over Fleetwood's U21 team. Stephens started in the centre-back position alongside Ronnie Edwards, and even played as a box-to-box midfielder in the second half. Despite midfield not being his preferred position, Stephens looked comfortable with his passing and showed his ball-playing abilities during Southampton's build up play. 

Therefore, Stephens is quickly trying to improve his defending as he is aiming to make a good comeback to Russell Martin’s first-team lineup. The experienced defender hasn't played in the Premier League since last month, and thus, Martin has started the reliable centre-back partnership of Jan Bednarek and Taylor Harwood-Bellis in every match.

Moreover, Kyle Walker-Peters also started as a third central defender against Arsenal, thus, Stephens would have to feature mostly as a second half substitute in the next few matches. Now, it remains to be seen whether the 30-year-old gets some significant playing time at Southampton or considers leaving the Saints in the January transfer window.