During this moment of time, both Southampton and Crystal Palace find themselves in a relegation scrap.
The two Premier League sides, however, will be confident about their chances of staying up with all of the experience they have in their respective squads.
At left-back, in particular, Southampton and Crystal Palace are strong and blessed with players who know the division well in former Chelsea men Ryan Bertrand and Patrick van Aanholt.
Ryan Bertrand
Bertrand has been one of the leading left-backs in the Premier League since leaving Stamford Bridge for St. Mary’s on an initial loan deal back in 2014 before joining permanently.
In fact, his performances have been good enough for him to be linked with a move back to his former club, as well as Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
On the left flank, Bertrand loves to bomb forward into dangerous areas where he can then launch a ball into the box from. On top of that, the 29-year-old is also a very capable set-piece taker.
Most importantly, though, Bertrand is a very solid defender on his day and one of few modern-day full-backs that combines both the defensive and attacking aspects of his role so well.
All in all, the England international has been a superb addition to Southampton’s squad and one of the team’s most consistent performers during his time at St. Mary’s.
TT Grade: B+
Patrick van Aanholt
On the books of Chelsea since 2009, van Aanholt initially made little impact in England, failing to make much of an impression at the west London club and the various Championship sides he joined on loan.
Following his permanent transfer to Sunderland back in the summer of 2014, though, van Aanholt has go on to become arguably one of the Premier League’s most underrated left-backs.
Now at Crystal Palace, the 28-year-old is often seen marauding down the left flank and into the opposition’s box before launching a vicious shot towards goal.
And under Sam Allardyce, who van Aanholt worked with at both Sunderland and Crystal Palace, the Netherlands international’s defending has improved drastically compared to his earlier days in England.
TT Grade: B-
TT Verdict:
Outside the top six, Bertrand and van Aanholt, alongside Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell, have probably been the best left-backs in the Premier League over the last year.
Out of Bertrand and van Aanholt, though, the former may just be the more reliable individual.
Bertrand has been playing at a higher level for longer than van Aanholt and, defensively, is the more astute full-back. Bringing him in from Chelsea was a shrewd move on former Southampton boss Ronald Koeman’s part, and one the club are still benefiting from.
