Southampton fans will be delighted upon knowing a major factor behind the Will Still agreement, which will hopefully help in mounting another Premier League rise.
Will Still has been in the Saints building for two months now, yet the strategic value of the deal is still hidden from the fans. Not to deny, the Englishman stood out in Ligue 1, though he might not be the best in the eyes of every Championship spectator.
Plus, he is someone who is the same age as Southampton's seasoned players and thus, isn't expected to neglect them in the guise of youth-backing for no reason at all.
Sure, strictness must be needed if the experienced minds can't offer much on the pitch because promotion doesn't sit next to compromises in Southampton's playbook.
Still will manage Southampton's talent-drain to some extent
Now, if that's where your list ends, then you missed out on a hidden plus point. According to an EFL Analysis report, Still is thought to be winning admiration from younger stars like Mateus Fernandes and Tyler Dibling and they can even stick to playing under him for longer.
That isn't a mere coincidence because the boardroom knew this window would set them back in terms of their progress in nurturing teenagers and youthful internationals. Thus, they acted accordingly to bring the one who could convince them of Southampton's long-term vision and provide them with a list of avoidable mistakes some of his previously coached players made.
And most importantly, to not let them rush into premature blockbuster moves, thereby risking their impressive growth in club football and wasting the club's chance to properly raise transfer funds.
Truly, it's a subtle upside that didn't get the spotlight until now, but who cares much when the squad can eventually be saved from weakening multi-fold.