Simple thread really, who would be in your Liebherr era XI?
Note: I have based this on ability, longevity, loyalty and a bit of misty-eyed enjoyment of the halcyon times!
Here is my pick:
GK: Kelvin Davis (2006-2016) - Perhaps not our best keeper of the era, and just entering the twilight of his career as Saints arrived back in the Premiership, however he was an integral part of two promotion pushes and a loyal servant.
RB: Nathaniel Clyne (2012-15) - Not much competition for this place. The only solid right back we have had for much of the era. Arguably one of the most solid right-backs in the modern game and very dependable.
LB: Luke Shaw (2011-14) - A close call, but in his formative breakthrough years he looked a real talent, that unfortunately has since been hampered by injury.
CB: Jose Fonte (2010-current): Signed alongside Jon Otsemobor and Danny Seaborne, however he put his faith in Southampton and dropped down a league to join the Club and has grown as a player as Southampton have also flourished.
CB: Tony Alderweireld (2014-15) - Probably the best centre back that I have seen play for The Saints, albeit Virgil van Dyke is looking very accomplished these days too. A superbly solid defender that we miraculously signed on loan just after he had played in the Champions League final the season before.
CM: Morgan Schneiderlin (2008-15) - Possibly the most gifted of the lot. A superb reader of the game, who could act as a playmaker while also mopping up danger. 250 games for the club before he even reached his peak, someone who became a talented player through development at the Club.
CM: Victor Wanyama (2013-16) - Perhaps not the most spectacular of players, however despite this, his solidity gave us a real base for our attackers to thrive.
CM: Oriol Romeu (2015-current) - This season he has been a revelation. In the past he showed glimpses with his excellent passing, however he has flourished with more games under his belt and seems to be relishing playing regularly.
FW: Adam Lallana (2006-14) - Part of the holy-trio front three from the 13/14 season that combined to score 41 goals and supply 20 assists. The vision and combinations between the three, who seemed to have a great understanding of one another's game and complemented each other so well that year to produce arguably the most exciting attacking football that I have watched Southampton play.
FW: Jay Rodriguez (2012-current) - See above, was the top scorer that season [13/14] and was flying until his terrible injury.
FW: Rickie Lambert (2009-14) - A real enthusiast, with technical ability and great vision who had a strike rate of better than 0.5 goals a game throughout his illustrious 200+ game career at the Club.
Note: I have based this on ability, longevity, loyalty and a bit of misty-eyed enjoyment of the halcyon times!
Here is my pick:
GK: Kelvin Davis (2006-2016) - Perhaps not our best keeper of the era, and just entering the twilight of his career as Saints arrived back in the Premiership, however he was an integral part of two promotion pushes and a loyal servant.
RB: Nathaniel Clyne (2012-15) - Not much competition for this place. The only solid right back we have had for much of the era. Arguably one of the most solid right-backs in the modern game and very dependable.
LB: Luke Shaw (2011-14) - A close call, but in his formative breakthrough years he looked a real talent, that unfortunately has since been hampered by injury.
CB: Jose Fonte (2010-current): Signed alongside Jon Otsemobor and Danny Seaborne, however he put his faith in Southampton and dropped down a league to join the Club and has grown as a player as Southampton have also flourished.
CB: Tony Alderweireld (2014-15) - Probably the best centre back that I have seen play for The Saints, albeit Virgil van Dyke is looking very accomplished these days too. A superbly solid defender that we miraculously signed on loan just after he had played in the Champions League final the season before.
CM: Morgan Schneiderlin (2008-15) - Possibly the most gifted of the lot. A superb reader of the game, who could act as a playmaker while also mopping up danger. 250 games for the club before he even reached his peak, someone who became a talented player through development at the Club.
CM: Victor Wanyama (2013-16) - Perhaps not the most spectacular of players, however despite this, his solidity gave us a real base for our attackers to thrive.
CM: Oriol Romeu (2015-current) - This season he has been a revelation. In the past he showed glimpses with his excellent passing, however he has flourished with more games under his belt and seems to be relishing playing regularly.
FW: Adam Lallana (2006-14) - Part of the holy-trio front three from the 13/14 season that combined to score 41 goals and supply 20 assists. The vision and combinations between the three, who seemed to have a great understanding of one another's game and complemented each other so well that year to produce arguably the most exciting attacking football that I have watched Southampton play.
FW: Jay Rodriguez (2012-current) - See above, was the top scorer that season [13/14] and was flying until his terrible injury.
FW: Rickie Lambert (2009-14) - A real enthusiast, with technical ability and great vision who had a strike rate of better than 0.5 goals a game throughout his illustrious 200+ game career at the Club.
Ahh the nostalgia.
