Match Day Thread Southampton v Shrewsbury Tuesday 19/1/2021 8pm BT Sport 2

Valery runs well, with the ball, but he seldom beat a player or put in a cross of any merit.
Vokins didn’t run with the ball as much, but got into the right position to put in some very good crosses that on another day could have been scored from which, for me, made him look the better of the two.
I agree with you about Diallo’s passing. There were a few wayward passes, when not under pressure, but plenty of positives.

 

Didnt really see much of Vokins defending, as the match was pretty comfortable, but from what I did see, I'm happy to have him as cover (and future replacement) for Bertrand.

 

Kwp doesn't cross the ball at all. That's my only negative about kwp.

 

Hmm...this isn't just about last night. Whenever he's played this season he's offered very little - the leap, the hassling, the pace all seem to have significantly dropped off to me. I genuinely think that's it for him at this level, and as I've said previously, I'd have no problem shipping him off in the summer (or even this month). It's not being anti-Long, it's just being realistic.

 

Fair enough, it’s all about opinions. I thought he was a bit of a handful at times last night when we got in the box. Especially second half. If that flick on from a corner had of gone in, I’d have been laughing at the fans who were laughing at him, but there you go.

We’ve always known his limitations, and he’s certainly not going to improve at his age. Don’t think he’s quite done yet though.

 

Regrettably he is one of those players for whom the gods are not shining on at present. I agree that there are concerns over his 'decline' and I'm sure that he is more aware of things than us sitting on the couch watching and frankly wishing a bit of luck to fall on him. For what it's worth I think Ralph likes to have him in the squad because he brings the right attitude to the party, his commitment is not in doubt.

 

Yeah, I think Ralph wanted his experience out there as well. He has acquired a lot of what boxers call “ring craft”.

 

This. Mind you, Cedric used to cross the ball quite a lot, but it usually ended up in row Z. I`m sure crossing will be something KWP is working on - apart from that he`s a terrific player, and hardly ever gives the ball away.

 

The Kyle and Yan combination looked promising, something that should be worked on along with providing accurate crosses.

 

I think Valery was somewhere between the two of your opinions. Not classy, nor one paced. Good and not so good.

I said last night, I think the issue is between his ears.

 

I think Yans attempt at growing a moustache is worthy of a fine.

 

Maybe I’m being generous cos the last few times I’ve watched him he has been a liability.

Hard to judge against lower league opposition I guess.

 

I see what you did there

 

Very astute observations IMO. Maybe a bit harsh on Valery & I hope he’s getting back certainly what he lost.

 

I'm replying to this post, but I agree with all of the posts highlighting Shane Long's (relative) decline. However, no-one has mentioned his defensive actions v Shrewsbury. At one point, two Shrewsbury players were gearing up to head a cross (from a free kick?) towards goal, but Shane got between them and nodded the ball out for a corner. We were 1-0 up at that point, so Shane may (may) have stopped Shrewsbury getting an equaliser, which could have changed things. These are all 'ifs' and 'buts', as Fraser might have saved the header anyway, but Shane's contribution was more important that people are giving him credit for. Or am I still wearing Anfield glasses?

 

Well done son, now pull your socks up