My Saints player of the season so far: Chamberlain - Has to be through his rapid introduction and rise through the ranks to become one of the first names on the team sheet , been a bright spark in an otherwise up and down season. Unsung Hero so far: Butterfield - Been fairly solid and consistent in defending and getting forward to whip balls into the opposition box , getting his name on the assist list on a fair few occassions from memory. Not the quickest but has been efficient so far. Yours?
My Saints Player of the Season so far: Adam Lallana - he's dug us out of the brown stuff a few times this year, contributing with goals, assists and I just feel team morale is higher when he starts, Chamberlain and Lallana neck and neck for me but I think consistency just nicks it for Lallana. Unsung Hero so far: Richard Chaplow - doesn't always get all the headlines like Rickie, Chamberlain and Lallana, but contributes so much in the park, had a tough time against Hartlepool but a key cog in the Saints machine at times, a great tackler and just keeps on running.
Player of the year so far... • Adam Lallana - A cracking player when he's at his best. He truly is a class apart in League One, he has such guile and ball control it really is a delight to watch this lad work his magic down the left. He hasn't contributed as much in terms of goals so far compared to last season, but it is very telling that without him we have been average and lacking spark. He IS the Southampton wheel at the moment, let alone a cog. Has to win it for me, especially after cementing his allegiances by signing that hefty 4 and a half year contract. Unsung hero so far... • Dan Harding - He's always been a favourite of mine, and although he's had some performances he'll want to forget this season, he's made up for that with the consistently solid and passionate displays he has put in which have re-affirmed his place ahead of Dickson at left back. Good going forward and has a great understanding and chemistry with Lallana, he is always bursting forward looking to receive the ball and whip it in to the box from the by-line. Solid defensively too, a great bargain by Pardew. Doesn't always get the plaudits that Lallana and Chamberlain might get, but Dan is pretty instrumental in this Saints side at the moment.
Most consistent for me has got to be Fonte practically present at every game. Doesn't make a fuss just gets on with the game. Always reliable has an eye for goal not a bad distributor of the ball from the back. So yes Fonte for me!!!
JDub, I agree with most of your Harding assessment but I always feel when he's defending he's on the verge of making a blunder. He needs to learn to be a tad more subtle when it comes to pulling opponents shirts etc. It's cringe worthy sometimes and I think we've been lucky to get away with it. But credit to him, with Dickson coming in over the summer I think most could admit Harding's position was massively under pressure, he's come out looking like the superior player. Got to agree with Lambden, I'm a big Butterfield fan, I also rate Richardson but both offer something different at right back. Butterfield's delivery from deep is great and often catches opposition defences out. I think both have been a great help to Chamberlain's development. I can't remember which game it was, but it was an evening game pre Christmas and Chamberlain had got pole-axed, Frazer came running over and in no uncertain terms gave the left back a 'telling off', fingers wagged and everything. Good to show young Alex, he's well looked after. Chaplow has been an awesome signing so far, added some real bite and energy to the centre of midfield. I like Dean and Morgan but feel they aren't the sort of players to grab the match by the scruff of the neck, Chaplow often does with his runs from deep and tough tackling. At the moment it would be a matter of Chaplow and Hammond/Morgan for me.
Dickson has been a bit of a disappointment for me. I presume we brought him in to be the number one left back but Dan has earned that status. There are games where he gives me the collywobbles but generally he does the business for us. Ryan is a more than able reserve though. Adam Lallana has to be our star player this season. His stature seems to be growing with every game even when unfit. Pure class. We are lucky at the moment in having four backs which can do the job and some good youngsters on the way to add to the strength of our squad.
I think Dickson's had a difficult season. It was never going to be easy to dislodge Harding and to be fair he hasn't had a real run of games because of Harding's consistency and he hasn't picked up any real injuries. I was impressed with him at the start of the season, especially his crosses from the left. The misplaced pass in the United game dented his confidence big time during the game.
Hi All - New poster - Go easy on me. For me Lallana has been our best player, followed very closely by Chaplow. We look a much better team when both play. The skill that Lallana possesses is literally ridiculous for this league and am so pleased we pinned him down in January. For me getting promoted this year is more than the obvious short term benefits, it is about keeping the best players happy playing for the club - players like lallana who could quite easily play in the prem next year. Should we not get promoted, I would imagine his agent would have something in Lallana's contract (a big club release clause type thing) that would mean he leaves. To be honest I wouldn't blame him, he'd be 23 so no kid, and should be playing at a higher level than league 1. As previous posters havesaid, Chaplow has been a revelation and his dynamism and drive have helped lift the team if play has been a bit flat. Saying that apparently he wasn't great the other day against Hartlepool, and I really think he's one of those players that if he plays well, the team plays well. Fonte and Chamberlain deserve a mention - Chambo just for his pace and impact. Fonte for his consistently strong performances.
...Hello and Welcome New Boots Tahar! New Boots Tahar!; Welcome to Southampton Board!! Look forward to seeing more post from yourself
Blimey thats pretty tough tbh! No1 seems to have back oxo???? Oxo - No doubt that he has not only crated several chances but bagged a few too. His pace and pure threat opens up so much and draggs so many players out of position. He has created massive attention and has got better and better as the season goes on. Offers us loads and without him our midfield is far weaker going forward Chaplow - Been an absoloute rock for us and scored a few important goals too. Very demanding midfielder who is happy on the ball and has captain attributes in my opinion. At times he can pick up sill bookings for back chat or late fouls but all in all the exact type of player we need Lallana - There is no doubt that the games he has featured in he has been more often than not the outstanding player. Its a shame he has been out so much which is why i feel against him a little. Its a tough one because he has been our best but been out alot. Good goals, very creative and picks up the rest of the team Lambert - Getting better but i dont think he has had the impact of last season and several goals from set pieces and headers , but he is a typical striker and has not given up. His emotions are clear for everyone to see and his efforts week in week out are phenominal So..... Im going with..... 1/LALLANA (Just) 2/CHAPLOW 3/OXO 4/LAMBERT
