The Saints’ midfield general is becoming an integral part of Claude Puel’s setup.
Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy in action with Southampton’s Oriol Romeu and Fraser Forster
Southampton‘s 1-1 draw against Manchester City on Sunday afternoon was the latest in a string of impressive performances for Claude Puel’s men.
Like with previous managers Mauricio Pochettino and Ronald Koeman, Southampton are establishing a strong work ethic.
Now unbeaten in five league outings, it is the efforts of the midfield men however, that are forming the spine of the team. One man in particular Oriol Romeu, is fast becoming The Saints’ lynchpin on the South coast.
After somewhat of a troubled learning curve, the 25 year-old Spaniard is now firmly at home with Southampton.
A former FC Barcelona youth player, Romeu was faced with an uphill battle to find a place in La Blaugrana’s central midfield versus Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets.
Leicester City’s Riyad Mahrez in action with Southampton’s Oriol Romeu and Virgil van Dijk
Since swtching to England, injury has scuppered his development – particularly with Chelsea – but now under Claude Puel, has found his niche. His stats so far this campaign paint a resplendent picture.
Oriol Romeu has appeared in all nine of his sides games thus far, averaging more successful tackles per game than any other Saints player, with three.
Only his the deputizing Sam McQueen at left-back comes close with 2.5 tackles per game. Tag-team partner Pierre Emile Højbjerg and Cedric weigh in with 2.4 tackles each.
Southampton’s Oriol Romeu in action with Manchester City’s Nicolas Otamendi
In contrast, van Dijk makes 1.8 per contest. The Dutchman is also usurped by Romeu in perhaps his strongest facet.
The former Barcelona man averages 2.8 interceptions per game, to van Dijk’s 2.6.
Romeu retains a hot-headed element to his game, sitting in second spot only to left-back Ryan Bertrand with most fouls, but the Spaniard’s game is far more measured and composed compared to his early days for The Blues.
Whilst one the Premier League’s most formidable defensive partnerships in Virgil van Dijk and Jose Fonte continue to be lauded, it is the combined effort of The Saints’ team that are garnering results.
After a settling in period under Ronald Koeman last term, Oriol Romeu is fast becoming key to The Saints further stabilizing process this season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
