I think that is Lemina We don't have a lot of squad space for 5th / 6th choice central midfield signings
If we bring in anyone now, it has to be someone for whom scoring goals is a major attribute - be that AM, forward, a FB with shooting boots, whatever... Not someone who might chip in with the odd goal, but someone who almost certainly will.
With Sam G and Jordy C both seemingly on the move - I'd be surprised if we didn't have a real number 10 lined up. A Vietto type who could play behind the striker and compliment the existing personel. I'd be very very happy with this transfer window were that to be the case.
Yeah I'd be content with Lemina, Romeu and Hojbjerg with Davis (and maybe Stephens) able to do a job in midfield. Keep van Dijk, add Hoedt and the attacking midfielder we've needed for several years now and we've had a very good window.
Problem is we go back having just two players that are defense midfield minded. I am not talking about deep lying players. Davis is ok at best as a dm, his legs can't handle the role.
Not a defensive mid, he is a a box to box player. Not saying he can't do a job there, but he isn't a natural dm.
I don't fancy our chances of going to a player and asking if they want to be third choice defensive midfield player in a side with 5 existing central midfield options
The bigger problem is that because we are Southampton not Chelsea or Liverpool or one of the other big guns we can't expect to have players like Clasie (international footballers who could play regularly for another top flight team) to be happy just being sat on the bench. Especially when we don't have extra games like Europa League. The reality is that our 4th choice for any position should be a youth player who would be happy to get whatever time is given to them as they are just starting out their careers. This then presents its own problems as players like Gallagher who would be 4th choice here, and judging by his performances for Blackburn last year would be a capable player for this role, would probably be better served heading out on loan to play regularly, meaning that the 4th choice we have from the youth team would be someone who isn't wanted on loan by another side, and therefore almost certainly not ready to be getting any time in our first team. B teams solve all this but whatever, thats a different argument.
Watched that vietto against Girona the other night, cant say he impressed to much. Put one chance high and wide thats about all he did.
As Crystal Palace seem interested too...Would Oliver Burke be any good as our AM/Winger. Saints were keeping tabs on him last year when he was at Nottingham Forrest and we're signing Hoedt who was another player we have been keeping tabs on for over a year now. (ever since Fonte returned from the Euros with a massive head) The other was Michael Keane but he's gone to Everton. Personally I think he would be brilliant in the premier league pace, power and goals. Thoughts??
I agree, why I wouldn't have minded Barry or some cheap midfielder like him. Still one of our strongest teams in years, if we get a am.
No player is signed to sit on the bench and be happy. Their job is to prove themselves and win the shirt.
