Those at the Transfer Tavern were initially worried about the poor start Southampton had made to their Barclays Premier League Season.
A slow start saw them knocked out of the Europa League, but this has since been the catalyst for their revival. They currently sit 7th in the table, look like their old selves again, and will be hoping to improve even more on what they achieved last term.
The usual suspects are doing very well on the South Coast. Graziano Pelle and Saido Mane are looking electric up front, Dusan Tadic is regaining form and summer signing Virgil Van Djik has slotted in excellently at centre back.
However, as is the case with many Premier League sides, while all of the big stars get the praise, some inevitably will go under the radar. At Southampton, this is no exception, with there always being several players who will do the dirty work or quietly go about their business, yet still be as vital to the side as the 30 goal a season man.
Hit below to see FIVE underrated Southampton stars!
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Steven Davis
A criminally underrated player, Steven Davis is a vital player for the Southampton side. Capable of playing anywhere in the Saints midfield, his great work in all areas of the pitch can sometimes end up overshadowed by the great attacking displays of Mane and Tadic.
However, it is Davis’ tireless work on the pitch which frees up these sort of players so much more. The Northern Irishmen has also been chipping in with more and more goals, and looks to be as important as ever at St Marys.
Cedric Soares
A summer signing from Sporting Lisbon, Cedric has quietly gone about his business at the South Coast, and has slotted seamlessly into the Southampton back four. The way Cedric has performed, you would think that he has been playing in the Premier League for a while now.
Soares looks like he will be an excellent replacement for Nathanel Clyne, and if he keeps putting in his steady displays, will surely come in for recognition sooner rather than later.
Maya Yoshida
Due to his role as back-up for Van Djik and Jose Fonte, the importance of Yoshida as a squad player can be a little unnoticed. Since a calamitous mistake in a 3-2 defeat to Manchester United, Yoshida has picked himself up and shown that he is ready to compete at this level.
Recently, the Japanese international scored a fantastic goal against Aston Villa in the League Cup. At the age of 27, Southampton fans will be hoping Yoshida has a few more years left in him to help the South Coast club reach greater heights.
Shane Long
A player that has always been criminally underrated wherever he goes, the Irishman will often be the second choice forward at most clubs. Despite this, you can always rely on Long to put in 110 per cent, his willingness to hound and press defenders for ninety minutes is fantastic.
Hull City fans may be left wondering what could have been, if they hadn’t let him leave the KC for St Marys last summer.
Harrison Reed
Though Reed is recognised as a great prospect, he has unfortunately not been given as many chances as perhaps some Southampton fans would like. There is hopefully a good reason for this, with Ronald Koeman clearly being careful to not burn out the youngster at an early age.
It is widely expected that Kenyan midfielder Victor Wanyama will leave by next season, for perhaps this will be the moment where Reed can step up, to show he can compete with the very best.
