The Saints impressed under Ralph Hasenhuttl in the second half of the 2018-19 Premier League season.
Southampton ex-player Nicky Banger has spoken highly of two Saints players who he hopes can play a big role for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side next term, as reported in the Daily Echo.
Winger Nathan Redmond has enjoyed a superb 2018-19 in which he was voted the Fans’ Player of the Season and the Players’ Player of the Season (official Southampton website).
In 43 appearances in all competitions, Redmond scored nine goals and registered six assists (Transfermarkt), and all of his goals came after Hasenhuttl took over after Mark Hughes’s exit.
Forward Danny Ings, meanwhile, has seen his season impacted by injuries, but in 25 appearances in all competitions he still netted eight goals and claimed three assists (Transfermarkt).
With Saints having survived relegation for a second season in a row, fans will be hoping that the impressive Hasenhuttl can bring more joy at the opposite end of the table in 2019-20.
Banger, who came through the ranks at The Dell and played for Southampton between 1989 and 1994, is optimistic that “exciting times” can return to St Mary’s Stadium – providing a few signings can also be made over the summer.
“Players like Redmond have kicked on this year,” Banger told the Daily Echo. “I think he flattered to deceive, but now he’s got goals and end product to his game. He looks like a very, very key player.
“I think if we can keep Ings fitter and play him a little bit more then we can start to build around the squad. I think we still need another striker and another centre-half. It’s exciting times.”
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