Five Southampton players who have impressed this season

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Five men who have been good for Claude Puel’s Saints.

Virgil van Dijk continues to be linked with a move away from Southampton

It’s been a mixed bag for Southampton, with success in the EFL Cup but regression in the league and another disappointing exit from Europe. Here are some standout performers.

Virgil van Dijk

Arguably the Premier League’s best player outside of the top six, Southampton fans will be hoping Van Dijk doesn’t become the latest man to leave St Mary’s for big money in the summer.

Commanding in the air, quick and comfortable in possession, he’s looked a class above his team-mates for much of the season and is also one of the side’s most dangerous players in the opposition box.

Oriol Romeu

Romeu leads the team in tackles and is second in interceptions.

Easily Southampton’s best midfielder this term, he’s shielded his defensive admirably and done a passable Victor Wanyama impression, it’s just a shame he hasn’t had too much talent to pass to when he wins possession.

Maya Yoshida

Injuries, player sales and Puel’s rotation policy have meant Yoshida’s had to step up the season, and step up he has.

Maya Yoshida celebrates scoring in the FA Cup

Always one to read the game well, regular football has helped him cut out mental lapses and he was immense in both legs of the EFL Cup semi-final.

Manolo Gabbiadini

It’s only been two games, but so far so good.

Three goals in two matches is a great start – only two of his new team-mates have scored more in the league all season – and Southampton finally have some cutting edge up front.

Cedric Soares

Cedric Soares in action against West Ham United

The Portuguese was offered a new contract in the summer which appeared to be for winning Euro 2016 rather than anything he’d done in an underwhelming first season at St Mary’s that saw him dropped in favour of Cuco Martina.

This season however he’s turned it around and looks a lot more solid defensively whilst also providing width down the right when Southampton attack.