Saints Academy Thread

He did for most of the game!

 

I agree, we should have put Seager on with at least 15 minutes to go, either Hesketh but more likely for JRod, we would have had more threat up front.

 

I flicked through the stream and I saw Boufal lose the ball a couple of times. Shame 'cause he's got so much talent and skill. I do wonder whether he's playing a bit injured.

 

Boufal has to get use to the different kind of football.

Jay looked like he couldn't be arsed to be here.

 

And have a pre-season. 4-5 months out is a long time.

 

Boufal could learn from the likes of Sims and Hesketh, they are all skillful players but Sims and Hesketh are always looking for the quick easy pass and keeping the defenders on the back foot, Boufal is getting predictable and running into problems. Hopefully a full pre season will help him out, a blind man can see he is talented, maybe has to play a simpler style

 

Yes, you could be right there. His flicks and such get caught out because he doesn't expect the opposition player to be quite so astute perhaps.
As for JayRod, he just doesn't seem to be on the same wavelength as everyone else. Think I saw him touch the ball twice. Never in the right position to receive, never the best option. Even a club like Burnley aren't going to bother if he doesn't show some form.

 

Agree that Jay looks like he has given up on his saints career
When Austin is back fit he'll be fourth choice so I understand the hopelessness he might feel, but he could have offered more fight in his performance tonight

 

It's so sad about Jay, I really thought he was on his way back after his match-winning performance against Bournemouth. The signing of Gabbiadini was the death-knell to his hopes I suppose, and seeing him throw his shin pads across the dugout when he wasn't brought on against Sunderland shows he has realised it. I really hope he gets a good move in the summer, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was to a Championship club.

 

Fourth choice? We will have Gallagher back after his successful loan spell and Seagar fully fit for next season. Unless JRod sorts his head out he will be sold this summer with only Championship level clubs or newly promoted clubs desperate for new experienced players coming in for him as he is showing little or no signs of finding his form again.
Indeed his attitude doesn't look good following last nights performance.....really sad to see him ruin his career

 

Jay has had chances to prove himself and Saints have stuck with him, but it hasn't worked out....partly because, as he has struggled with injuries, our quality has moved on. I hope Jay gets a good move next season....perhaps to a promoted club...and does well.

 

I think you hit the nail on the head there. The quality of the PL has progressed overall and Saints with it. Even though we are in 10th spot, I feel that this team/squad is overall better than the one of 3 seasons ago [March 2014 when Jay first ruptured that ligament], and while Jay shows the odd sign here and there [against AFCB], he is not the same player he was before his injury, and he doesn't seem to fit Saints anymore.

 

I don't want him playing a simpler style as that takes away what he can offer. He just needs to be up to speed with the pace of our game and coached into making the right decisions at the right time.

 

Is Boufal going to be the next Gaston? regular injury concerns, moments of brilliance but never quite fitting into the side. We aren't ones to build a team around a single player... if he's having strops at U23 games he has a lot of work to do mentally.

 

Way too soon to be giving up on him

Already shown much more than Gaston, he's been out a long time this season too and in a new country/league.

A lot of people didn't rate Mane in his first season either...

 

This. 100%. Will also come with time and experience. Looking forward to seeing him next season.

 

Very good point.
I only just noticed it myself, but our fourth goal comes from Boufal being under pressure with the ball from a couple of defenders in our half of the pitch.
If ever there was a time to look for the simple pass, but he holds the ball, creates a little room for himself and picks out Redmond in acres of space. He could have so easily of lost the ball and given Watford the chance to launch an attack.

 

Have no view on Boufal, but I noticed a great piece of skill v Watford jinking round players....unfortunately finishing with a shot into the side netting.

 

Nathan Tella hopefully joining our academy from Arsenal.

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www....al-Southampton-trial-transfer-news-gossip/amp

 

Indeed. He just needs to know where he has to be when Saints do have and don't have the ball, and when to try something and when not to. Other than that, turn on the style, Boufal. That Cruyff turn cum flick he did at speed against Arsenal [I think, but who cares] was one of the best things I've seen in recent years. It was so fast the commentator completely missed it. Totally bamboozled the defender.
As someone else pointed out, he's been injured and had no pre-season, which makes so much difference to players. Next season, watch out.