Southampton decided to let Will Smallbone leave back in July 2022 in order to gain regular first-team football.
The 23-year-old was shipped off to Stoke by the Saints, in what was a slightly odd decision given the lack of options in their midfield department.
Now – albeit with the benefit of hindsight – it seems Smallbone may have been worth keeping around as Southampton find themselves rooted to the bottom of the Premier League.
What’s the story?
Well, Smallbone has been in superb form for Stoke this season – starting 31 of their 38 Championship games – and he was rewarded with a call up to the Republic of Ireland squad by Stephen Kenny.
The Southampton academy graduate was then handed his international debut on Wednesday as the Republic of Ireland recorded a 3-2 win in a friendly against Latvia.
Smallbone delivered an outstanding display in the centre of midfield, and was named Man of the Match as a result of his tremendous efforts.
The Stoke No.18 provided an assist for Callum O’Dowda to open the scoring in the sixth minute, before going on to complete 35 of his attempted 39 passes with an accuracy of 90% – it was a very tidy display.
SofaScore also shows that Smallbone whipped in seven accurate crosses, impressively made six key passes, and showed his industrial side by winning all four of his ground duels.
Smallbone has surely earned Southampton opportunity
Regardless of what division Southampton find themselves in next season, Smallbone has surely earned a chance in the first-team.
As far as loan deals go, his time at Stoke could hardly have been more successful from a personal viewpoint.
If Southampton can stay in the Premier League, Smallbone deserves to be given a chance with a few initial substitute appearances.
However, if the Saints drop into the Championship, they must immediately make Smallbone a key man in midfield – he has already proven himself as one of the best in England’s second tier.
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