Dream Southampton Lineup For 2017/18 Season
After a season full of struggle, English outfit Southampton managed to finish in a respectable position in the top half of the table but they will have to start working their way up the table quickly if they want to establish themselves as a big club in England. Claude Puel could not better the club’s performance from the previous season and has now been sacked by the club.
The club are also sure to lose a couple of key players in the squad but will have adequate funds to replace them with quality players this summer. This has seen them get linked with good players recently and going by the links, Southampton might have a star-studded attacking line-up next season.
Puel used a 4-2-3-1 formation with two midfielders happy to stay compact and defend deep. This left his attacking quartet with a lot of work to do and the new manager should find the right balance in the team if he wants to blow opponents away next season. So what is the best attacking lineup for Southampton next season?
Nathan Redmond on the left flank was the most productive player for Southampton last season and he is expected to keep his place in the side next season as well. He may yet attract interests from other clubs but the project at the St. Mary’s is enticing enough to keep him there for another year.
Dusan Tadic did extremely well in a number 10 role last season. Like Redmond, he is also expected to stay at the club for another year. However, he could find some competition for his place in the first team next season.
However, on the right wing, Southampton do not have too many options and Puel constantly used James Ward-Prowse extensively in this role. Here is where Southampton might want to improve and the most exciting player they have been linked to is Galatasaray winger Bruma. With 11 goals and 8 assists all season, the Portuguese-born star was in decent form in Turkey, and could be tempted to face new challenges at the St Mary’s next season.
Manolo Gabbiadini showed great composure in front of goal and he could be the one leading the attack on a consistent basis for Southampton next season. Jay Rodriguez might be sold and the new manager might look to add another attacker to his lineup. Charlie Austin, who showed some form late last season, and Shane Long, should act as deputies.
Southampton have been linked to a host of players including the likes of Chris Wood and Martin Braithwaite but Manchester City’s £8.5million rated Kelechi Iheanacho might be the right man for them next season. He could start up front in the first team and add quality to this Southampton attack.
Here is how they could lineup next season:
