The Saints legend believes the St Mary’s outfit could do with strengthening the left-back position ahead of the 2019-20 Premier League season.
Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier has called for the club to sign a new left-back, telling the Daily Echo that he feels Ryan Bertrand has not been “as dynamic” as he was at the start of his Saints tenure.
In addition, the Southampton stalwart is unsure whether Matt Targett is a suitable long-term replacement for Bertrand on the left of defence, although he does add that he could kick on again due to the fact he’s young and could yet improve.
Southampton have shown massive improvement since Ralph Hasenhuttl took over in the dugout from Mark Hughes in December, steering the south coast side to Premier League safety, but two consecutive seasons fighting relegation show that much work is to be done in the summer.
Bertrand has been with the Saints since 2015 but is entering the final two years of his contract, while Targett is his understudy, but Le Tissier believes the left-back position should be reinforced along with bringing in “another forward” and “one or two centre-backs”, as quoted in the Daily Echo.
“I think in the last couple of seasons Ryan hasn’t been as dynamic as he was in the first seasons he was here,” said the Southampton icon.
“I think Matt has struggled a little bit if I’m honest in that position. I am not sure whether he is a long-term replacement for Ryan in that left-back role. That might be a bit harsh on him because he might kick on again because he is still young and still has improvement in him.”
According to Transfermarkt, Bertrand has made 171 appearances for Southampton in all competitions, while Targett’s tally stands at 63 senior appearances.
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