Francis Benali motivates fallen out-of-priority choices like Charlie Taylor to begin making a fresh starter case under Will Still.
Isn't it intriguing that while boss Will Still was appointed weeks ago, ex-interim Simon Rusk's future remains uncertain? Especially, when he deserves to continue at St. Mary's, if not for anything but for his farewell present of 2 forgotten stars to the Saints.
Most Saints fans will recall Ross Stewart as the first, but the second has gone largely unnoticed.
He was Charlie Taylor, whose brilliant return show just got overshadowed by Stewart's goal as has been with Rusk recently. But while not much can be said about the former caretaker's future ahead, Taylor has been tipped on how he can finally establish a starter role at Southampton.
Sadly, despite being a strong contender to fix the Saints' weak link left-back role, Taylor played just 10 games this season. Yet while his recent campaign was jarred by inconsistencies, Taylor can benefit a lot from club legend Francis Benali's advice to re-establish himself in the lineup ahead.
As quoted by the Daily Echo, Benali felt like motivating out-of-priority players for a redemption season under a new boss in Still, saying: "Even if you were one of those ones, someone that's been a bit upset in one way or another, a new manager coming in is like a clean slate."
Charlie Taylor can be a integral starter under Will Still
Honestly, while the St. Mary's fan favourite didn't aim this comment towards any particular Saint, it feels tailor-made for Charlie. After all, hardly anyone will be as unlucky as the 31-year-old to not make a clear-cut starter case despite seeing three managers already.
But, finally, this fourth managerial phase can be Taylor's best one at Southampton. That's because apart from optimism, the 31-year-old's Arsenal show mustn't go unnoticed by Still, who was in attendance against Arsenal.
Additionally, with veteran Kyle Walker-Peters' departure, Southampton will direly need experience at the back, favouring Taylor's case. And who better than Taylor to slot into his natural left-back role as Still's playstyle relies on extensive full-back use?
Ultimately, what began as a commendable Taylor return at St. Mary's against Arsenal can go a long way under Still now. Let's see how much of this potential comeback script translates to reality.