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Southampton: Fans debate Yan Valery’s return to the first team
Yan Valery’s performance against Newcastle United has caused debate, with many fans having mixed opinions on how the right-back played on the weekend in the 1-0 loss.
It was the 21-year-old’s first appearance since the 30th November, due to a virus infection, but even before his illness, Valery was not a consistent starter in the side, as he only played eight times in Southampton’s first 14 games this season. (Transfermarkt)
The French full-back was given a 6.0 rating by Sofascore, and even though he won six ground duels and made three tackles and interceptions, the defender lost possession 21 times. His biggest mistake was when he lost possession trying to chest the ball but failed to control it properly. This allowed Allan Saint-Maximin to get in behind the defence and squeeze the ball in past goalkeeper Alex McCarthy.
Is it time Southampton moved on from Shane Long?
Yes
No
Southampton allowed Cedric Soares to go on loan to Arsenal in the January transfer window and signed right-back Kyle Walker-Peters on loan from Tottenham. (Transfermarkt) The loanee has only made one appearance at St. Mary’s, but mistakes like the one Valery made on the weekend could see Ralph Hasenhuttl utilise other options for the crucial fixture against Norwich next weekend.
Here are what some fans said about Valery’s performance:
Don’t want to see Valery in a #saintsfc shirt again. Can’t understand why he’s even near the team
— Mark Gale (@Mark_Gale7) March 7, 2020
is Valery our worst ever RB? 🤷🏼♂️ #SaintsFC
— Joe Wilson (@JoeWilson1988) March 7, 2020
Valery didn’t have a good game today but some fans saying should never wear a #saintsFC shirt again? C’mon peeps… seriously? 🤦🏻♂️
— stu 🇬🇧 (@PorteousStuart) March 7, 2020
Funny how Valery gets the usual mob on his back for a mistake (and it was a bad mistake) but Long got a standing ovation, even though he cost us a goal in the second half when he should have pulled it back for Ings instead of blazing over from a tight angle #saintsfc 🤷♂️
— Doug Maclellan (@MacLeTiss) March 8, 2020
I remember just a few weeks ago Ings making a bad error which led to a goal but because it is Danny & we love him (rightly so) we just put it down to a “can’t believe that just happened” moment. My point is let’s not crucify Valery for his mistake just as we didn’t Ings #SaintsFC
— Kate Bowes (@katebowes) March 7, 2020
Reflecting after today’s game. Ruined by the ref. Battled superbly. Lost by 1 stupid mistake. Disagree with @BBCRadioSolent views. Thought Valery was correct choice and played well up until that error. #ontothenextone #SaintsFC
— Tina Croucher (@sainttmc) March 7, 2020
Saints fans, who would you start at right-back for the next fixture? Comment below!
