Harry_SFC

According to SSN we have been "alerted to the availability" of right back Ryan Fredericks from West Ham.

As we will have limited funds, I'd like to think we would prioritise a right back and a replacement for Hojbjerg rather than a 4th centre back (in terms of amount of cash going on each position). I guess it also depends on whether we can persuade someone to buy Vestergaard.

Good summary. JV is clearly our weakest defender and cost far too much to warrant being 4th choice. We need to do everything we can to move him on and bring in a cheaper alternative, which thankfully looks like it's going to happen.

The main points from the press conference.. - Bednarek is training after a light muscle injury but Djenepo and Boufal are both still out. - RH unmoved on Salisu talk although he expects signings and wants to get these done early. - Some players have done a "fantastic" job out on loan and might be re-intergrated into the squad whilst others will be sold. - RH is 100% behind Che Adams and expects him to be fitter & better next season - Danny Ings is a role model for the club - RH expects other players to chip in with more goals next season

A £9 million loss is better than £15 million I suppose..

If Hojbjerg was better at passing he would would be perfect for Ralph's system. He has great fitness levels, he's dynamic, good at intercepting/winning it back and also wins a lot of headers. The most fundamental trait for a central midfield player is to be able to keep the ball. Not just keep it by passing it backwards, but be able to be progressive in possesion and make things happen. Personally I'd be happy with £10 million plus KWP, or £20 million outright. Looks like we're holding out for £25-30 million though. Everton may be stupid enough to bid that but Spurs won't be.

I'd like to see us offer him a 1 year extension but have a feeling he will leave at the end of his contract.

Totally agree with this

McCarthy (8) - Very solid once again. He's a very good shot stopper, not so good at kicking though. KWP (9) - We need to sign this lad. I was a little sceptical when he first joined but he gives us so much energy down the right and for his size he seems to get stuck in a fair bit. Man of the match for me. Stephens (7) - Had a slightly nervy start but felt he grew into the game and was pretty solid. Vestergaard (5) - He was bordering on diabolical during that first half. Slow, rash, struggled in the air despite his size. Second half he did improve and put in a potential goal saving block. Bertrand (8) - He's been top class since the restart. Just so dependable. He does very well for the second goal. Romeu (7) - Solid as usual, albeit I wish he would stop trying these ambitious diagonal balls when he's not very good at them. JWP (7) - I thought he had a better game today than against Brighton. His passing was better and actually wins more headers than he seems to get credit for. Armstrong (7) - A decent game again, seems like a player you will generally get 7/10 from every week. Tired a bit towards the end but what do you expect after this run of games. Redmond (6) - Overall I thought he had a poor game. He did get the assist for the goal but it wasn't really a tricky pass. I think his finishing and decision making leaves a lot to be desired. He is actually decent going backwards and doesn't give up, so I'll give him that. Hopefully a bit of a break will help. Long (7) - Shane put in a good shift. Held it up well, ran the channels and won flick ons. What he does best really. Sadly he's just not really a threat in the oppo's box. Ings (8) - He just keeps on going. What an incredible professional. You just know when he turns inside the ball is going to arrow into the bottom corner. For some odd reason he didn't seem confident about the penalty at all. Adams (7) - Another promising cameo. He holds it up well and is decent at linking the play, possibly a bit slow at decision making but a lovely finish at the end.

Bournemouth coming out and trying to beat us might be ideal. I have much more faith in our back 4 compared to earlier in the season.

I think everyone knows 10 of our best 11. The 1 being who partners Danny Ings? Probably Adams for me.

Great second half display. Shame about the first half but it was a pretty makeshift back 4. Hojbjerg just gets worse and worse. I also think we need another striker next season.

Man Utd certainly "needed" the points more than us. That didn't stop us from being the better side!

https://www.transfermarkt.de/fc-southampton-interessiert-an-mohamed-drager/thread/forum/154/thread_id/1047551/page/1

I've watched a few of the Fulham games on TV and he has easily been their best player since the restart. I think we'd be foolish to sell him with just a year left on his contract. Give him a new deal and see how he gets on next season. He's very good at reading the game, has high energy and loves getting stuck in. He looks like a good passer of the ball too. In theory he would fit into our system perfectly.

He had a poor game last night (the first one since he signed). First goal he got attracted to the ball and for the second he's gotta show Martial down the outside. Having said that Stephens doesn't cover himself in glory for both goals either. One positive is he did have a better second half and I do think he's been good going forward.

McCarthy, KWP, Stephens, Bednarek, Vokins, Hojbjerg, JWP, Smallbone, Redmond, Ings, Long Subs: Gunn, Danso, Vestergaard, Bertrand, Romeu, Armstrong, Ferry, Obafemi, Adams.

My concern is that although we have a very fit team, Ralph is relying on the same players to play 3 games a week. I think Redmond and Bertrand both need a rest however we just don't have the players available to be able to do it.

Looks decent going forward and can go past players. I think his positioning needs a bit of work and obviously height will always be an issue but if we can get him for around £10-£12 million then it's a no brainer for me.

It would be classic Saints to miss out on two of our top defensive targets

He is indeed. As are Vestergaard, Valery and Tella. Hojbjerg will be on the bench according to Ralph.

Djenepo is out injured again. That must be at least 3 times he's been out with injury this season!? Can't imagine there will be many changes to the starting 11 given how many players are out and a lack of experience in reserve.

Everton have been awful tonight against Spurs. Not sure what's happened to Sigurdsson but he looks useless.

I'm really buying into Ralph's style of play now. I think it suits the PL down to a tee. We haven't seen the high press and general team organisation since the MP and RK days. Long may it continue.

He was on the bench according to Sky.