Yoshida made his sixth appearance of the season in the 1-0 win over Sunderland in a much changed Southampton side.
Southampton defender Maya Yoshida has spoken to the club’s official website about the importance of the squad size, and how everybody getting minutes in games can be beneficial.
Yoshida was part of the side that played in the 1-0 win over Sunderland on Wednesday night to book their place in the EFL Cup quarter-finals.
It has been a hectic run of games so far the Saints, which shows no signs of letting up for the rest of the calendar year given their participation in the Europa League – and with the busy Christmas schedule that will follow once the group stages of their European campaign has reached its conclusion.
Yoshida is quoted by the club’s website, saying: “It’s always important for the team to have a chance to give opportunities to the young lads and for me it was very important to get playing time in a week where we have the cup, the league and European matches, I can get minutes myself and conditioning.
“It’s important for myself to show to the manager my performances and take opportunities when they come.
“It’s important to stay solid as a team because we have two games every week into the New Year and it’s important for everyone to be fit to make the squad good.”
Saints boss Claude Puel has certainly shuffled his pack in order to keep as many players fresh as possible, and it is something he may well continue to do in the coming weeks and months as it seems they are going to be waiting a little while before they get a whole week between games.
This has seen one or two young players get their opportunity, such as Sam McQueen and Jake Hesketh, among others.
Yoshida can across the back line so his versatility could come in handy over the course of the season if injuries really start to hit their defence.
His appearance against Sunderland was his sixth of the season in all competitions, but his first at right-back, with others coming at centre-back. If he wants even more game time, then he has a job on his hands to get into the side ahead of Jose Fonte and Virgil Van Dijk given how effective they are as a partnership.
No player is likely to feature in every game, so Yoshida and others are more than likely to get more opportunities.
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