Saints fans can be forgiven if they have forgotten that they have a current England under-21 international among their ranks. To be fair, Ronnie Edwards played just 12 minutes in the Premier League in 2024/25, coming on as a late substitute in the 5-1 defeat to Chelsea at St Mary's.
The ball playing central defender also featured in a hugely entertaining 5-3 EFL Cup win at Cardiff back in August 2024 but he did not play again under Russell Martin until the Chelsea defeat.
Superb for QPR since arriving on loan
Since January, Edwards has been out on loan at Queens Park Rangers where he has been a regular starter. He has played 90 minutes in all except for just two matches in his 21-match loan period.
A look at Edwards' stats reveal a player who wins plenty of tackles and passes accurately out of defence. Comfortable in possession, a competent dribbler, and an effective long passer, Edwards is able to turn defence into attack quickly.
At the other end of the pitch, Edwards scored twice for the Hoops while on loan at Loftus Road and this will be something that might benefit Southampton in the Championship. The Saints could only muster five goals from set-pieces in their disastrous Premier League campaign.
Hoops fans have taken to social media to heap praise on the 22-year-old. On X, @WEG0NEGHOST waxed lyrical.
"Seriously though if we could get a loan of Ronnie Edwards calibre every season, I'd be a happy man. Everything you want in a loan, professional, never injured, performance level never drops below a 7. Just a fantastic footballer"AB @WEGØNEGHOST
Callum Moseley, writing also on X, agreed. 'If Southampton don’t start Ronnie Edwards next season, something is seriously wrong.'
Ready for first team action
Technically good and physically strong, it's clear that Southampton have a proper player on their hands. Whether Russell Martin was right to leave him out and then send him away on loan, only time will tell. Perhaps, given the season that Southampton were having, this may turn out to be the best way to have protected Edwards and support his development.
Having the opportunity to join Carsley at the Euros with the Under-21 squad can only help raise Edwards' profile and accelerate his development. If he gets minutes in the tournament, that would be great. But, even if he doesn't, going to an international tournament and being pushed by the best in his age group can only do him some good.
On the back of a dreadful season, it's encouraging for Southampton fans to have something (or someone) to be optimistic about ahead of next year's show. As the likes of Ramsdale, Harwood-Bellis and Walker-Peters prepare to exit the stage and the trap door snaps open beneath others, Ronnie Edwards waits patiently in the wings, ready to make his entrance.
Next season should be Edwards' break through season and a player of his calibre can only help Saints to achieve their promotion ambitions. Should that happen, Edwards is surely a player with the potential to improve under Will Still in the Premier League.