Southampton must try to sign this star whatever happens with Spygate

Southampton's name continues to be dragged through the mud due to the ongoing Spygate scandal.

Once considered a favourite among EFL neutrals for their exciting attacking displays, and Tonda Eckert sticking out as an astute operator from the sidelines, they are now seen as the Championship's villains, after being accused of spying on a Middlesbrough training session in the build-up to the playoff semi-finals.

While it was the Saints attackers who were stealing most of the acclaim before this controversy came to light, with both Leo Scienza and Finn Azaz tipped for Premier League moves, the defence has really shone through in recent matches, especially during some dicey moments across the two legs versus Kim Hellberg's men.

Southampton's defence shines through against Boro

Southampton really were put under the cosh across both playoff matches against Hellberg and Co.

Combined across both legs, the Teesside outfit fired 32 efforts at the Saints' goal, but only Riley McGree would be gifted a goal, as he scored the opening strike in the second leg that Eckert's men ultimately reigned supreme in.

The 0-0 showdown at the Riverside was a pivotal result in ensuring the South Coast side made the playoff final, as the visitors stood firm throughout, courtesy of Taylor Harwood-Bellis amassing nine total clearances to snuff out constant danger.

James Bree also stepped up when his team needed him to deliver, when blocking one goalbound effort during that one-sided 0-0 draw. Without this resilient defensive performance, Southampton would have headed into the home tie a couple of goals down, and their morale would have been on the floor.

Eckert will need his defence to be switched on at Wembley, when they face off against Hull City on May 23rd in a win-or-bust match to re-enter the Premier League.

Whatever does happen with Spygate and the consequences, the Saints hierarchy will be desperate to tie down Daniel Peretz to a permanent deal, as he was exemplary - again - during those two action-packed legs.

Southampton must sign this star whatever happens

Making six saves in total to keep the likes of Morgan Whittaker at bay, Southampton finally have a goalkeeper they can trust in when the pressure is ramped up.

For too long, the South Coast team were relying on Gavin Bazunu to come up trumps, and unfortunately for the one-time Manchester City stopper, he would always have an error in him when the going got tough at St. Mary's.

In stark contrast, Peretz is a figure who looks born to play in pressurised games, with the Bayern Munich loanee keeping a polished nine clean sheets from 24 Saints outings to date.

With talk behind the scenes pointing in the direction that the agile number 41 would be up for a permanent move to England, the hope will be that Peretz sticks it out at St. Mary's next season, whatever punishment is thrown Southampton's way for spying.

The 25-year-old will be praying he's playing in the Premier League next season with Eckert's side, if he is to stay around for good, with the Israel international no doubt ready for the tough challenge of Hull in the final, if the match isn't postponed at the last minute.

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