Jack Stephens

I think Stephens is developing very well, if he was partnering VVD you would probably see him developing even quicker although wouldn't be as busy as he is at the moment

 

I think that people forget that he is an U21 international and only focus on him playing for Swindon, the lad clearly has talent.

 

But how does he become first choice, without fulfilling the role for Saints?
Another loan, maybe with a newly promoted team, but with an emergency recall clause? Playing for the U23s won't do much to improve his chances, as appears to be happening with Harry Reed.

 

I think Jack will be in the first team next season...how much he plays will depend on several factors inc. injuries, new signings and if VVD stays.

 

At least one of them will be back on the bench when VVD is back. Ideally we would sign somebody to fill fontes position and both will be back up (with cup appearances).

They have done ok as a pairing but there is no room for sentiment in this league. Unless new owners have decided on a different direction neither should currently be starting our PL matches as first choice.

 

I don't quite get this. For his age he is a talent and the best place for him to develop and improve is not with a championship club but right here at saints getting game time.

I'm not saying yosh and Stephens are the ideal partnership but either one of them alongside VVD or another cb will work.

It seems Stephens is taking the flack for the team's recent slump. Gabbiadini hasn't scored in 5 games. Is he not good enough to get us to where we are supposed to be. Should gabbiadini be loaned out to a championship club to get more experience next year.

Is it because we didn't pay 14m for Stephens then the guy can't be good enough.

 

It may not be quite as simple as VVD dropping out through injury and Stephens coming in, but there is no doubt that having VVD in the team results in a much more confident side that takes a game to the opposition, rather than surrendering possession. What can happen is that confidence starts to seep out of the side when goals start to be conceded when none are being scored at the correct end. With Saints playing very much on the edge of their penalty area at the moment, with very little over the halfway line, there is suddenly the wrong balance in the side. This setup may have worked brilliantly against Liverpool in both the League/Cup, but it's not a natural way for saints to play. We don't have a Pelle holding the ball up and worrying the living daylights out of smaller CBs, while teammates run up from behind in support, so there is often little respite. I said it last night, Saints need to play higher up the pitch, to turnover the possession and surge forward. There's an awful lot less distance to the opposition goal when you're 10-20 yards further up the pitch. With VVD in the side they don't defend so deep. Yes, they get the odd ball over the top, but when you have someone as fast and dominant as Virgil it's not a problem. If we want the minimum of fuss in setup we've got to get him back, and have to keep him.

 

No one seems to have considered the options if Jack hadn't been there, Florin looks to be a spent force, there are a couple of promising youngsters, but they don't look ready to step up yet and Caceres? Who knows what is going on there.

 

There's also the likes of Bertrand.

 

Whilst I don't think Stephens should be in our starting 11 next season, talk of him being loaned out is a joke, surely?

He has proved he is good enough back up and considering how much he has improved already you'd think he is only getting better.

 

Exactly. Where is he ever going to get better experience than starting every game in the Premier League and EFL Cup since January? He needs more experience, for sure, but this is best gained by playing top level football alongside a player of the calibre of Virgil, hopefully Virgil himself.

 

Now possibly with Matt and MacQ fit.