Signed for £4.7 million three years ago from Sporting Lisbon, Cedric Soares was bought to replace Nathaniel Clyne.
Soares was the second player to join the club in the week following the arrival of Juanmi from Malaga. With Clyne set to join Liverpool, it was essential that Southampton brought in a new player to replace the England international.
The fullback has been a solid performer in the side over the last few years and had attracted interest from Man U over the summer and it seems like Saints fans were right to praise the signing.
https://twitter.com/THE_SA1NTS/status/611538794299396096
https://twitter.com/thom_barratt/status/611556158734761986
https://twitter.com/Manning_93/status/611541745273303040
@MartynBurn @Squawka I reckon he'll be the new Paulo Ferreira
— Jamie (@MrToatsMgoats) June 18, 2015
@SouthamptonFC Portuguese defender Cedric Soares joins Southampton from Sporting Lisbon. Ronald Koeman's side doing sharp quick business.
— Scott Smith (@scotty2smithy) June 18, 2015
https://twitter.com/Bartolomeu4/status/611918901526401024
In his first at the club, Soares settled incredibly quickly and played 24 games in the league. The Portugal international, provided Southampton with a great attacking option down the right flank, while also being a solid defender at the back.
In tandem with Ryan Bertrand, the former Sporting Lisbon defender formed one of the more underrated fullback duos in the league. Moreover, amid Southampton’s terrible form last year, Cedric was one of a few players to stand out for Southampton as the club only just managed to dodge relegation.
Due to his solid performances for Saints, he managed to get into Portugal’s Euro winning team and then became a solid starter in Portugal’s Wolrd Cup squad over the summer.
This season, Southampton have once again struggled and it looks as though they could be in for another tough season. At the back Saints have struggled while outside of Danny Ings, Southampton don’t seem to be able to score.
While he might not be the best fullback in the league, the 27-year-old has been a solid player and he’s one that has been one of the few players to play well over the last 12 months.
