One of the things that makes me love Southampton FC is that we give youngsters a chance! If the coaches really considered that Shaw was that good from the start, then fair play. But I don't think we would have been trying to sign a left back if that was the case. I truly, truly believe Fox was intended to be first choice (relegated to second choice if the Buttner deal had come off), and that Shaw was intended as backup. He just turned out to be an incredible player, while Fox continued to be poor. I couldn't agree more about the bit in bold. They both have amazing futures to look forward to.
I worry slightly that signing another midfielder as suggested will block JWP's route into the team a little bit, maybe a season out on loan to the Championship would be a good option. Though, Pochettino has been using him as a sub quite a bit, especially later on in the season so he obviously has plans for him. Shaw will obviously be first choice LB next year but we do need to sign cover, Fox isn't good enough for this level, he's had his chance.
They've got Targett to think of as well. If his promise comes to fruition as well we'll have a difficult situation. Maybe one of them is the solution to the winger problem.
Personally I'm really a believer in giving young players opportunities, something I love about our ethos at the moment. I'd like to see Targett, Chambers, Isgrove and Rowe all given a go next season, as back-up for their respective positions.
I'm really looking forward to seeing Targett in action. I haven't seen him myself but I know he's very highly rated. Like you said Sotonist, if he's as good as Shaw then we will have a problem determining our number one LB!
Indeed. I have thought in the past that Saints have been a little too keen to put left sided players in the LB spot. Gareth Bale, for example, showed that he is an accomplished left sided midfielder, and Wayne Bridge before him may well have been better in that position. We seem to be keen to move them back to protect them, but not so keen to move them forward again, as they grow. Just an observation.
And at the risk of turning a few faces purple with rage, why not play Danny Fox at left wing? The one thing he does very well is cross the ball, after all.
And was moved back to LB, but not considered further forward again by Saints. And yet England played him in midfield once or twice.
Yeah because cole had LB tied up. I was livid at SMS watching Bridge marginalised by the rest of the team and played out of his best position. I recognise now that cole became a far superior left back though.
It's not deluded. In fact, he has done just that when coming on as a sub, once or twice. I wouldn't play him for 90 minutes in that capacity though. Actually, I wouldn't play him for 90 minutes, full stop..!
Back to Lovren... I heard he can cover either full back slot. The same was said of Yoshida. Looks like we've got a lot of versatility back there now.
In the prem... no we've got or hopefully will have better options. He's too slow. If he moves to a championship side i'd have no hesitation in recommending he be played at left midfield rather than left back.
I think there was probably an issue with Shaw's fitness at the start of last season. I don't necessarily believe playing Shaw was the plan all along simply because we tried to sign Buttner.
Nah Targett will be back up to Shaw either this season or next. He hasn't enough pace or skill to play on the the wing.
Shaw will surely be bumped up to left midfield at some point, he has a lot of simmilarites with Bale. I dare say not as an accomplished defender though, this could be because of his age and lack of experiance. There was a few time this season where I felt he was beaten too easily or made the wrong decision defensively.
