Welcome back to a new post Saints fans! Today, we're going to talk about why Southampton should buy a new defender, specifically a centre-back. I think Saints could improve the squad by signing a new centre-back, they obviously have to fix that hole in defense if they want to fight for a Europa League spot (which I think is obtainable because Koeman proved that the club could finish that high) and they certainly have to reduce the amount of goals conceded. Southampton are 14th at the moment and have still 9 matches left, if the season was to continue, and Saints cannot rely on goal difference. A new talented defender can turn out to be essential, it could strengthen the squad and lead it, like Van Dijk did. Ralph Hassenhüttl has to make a good decision here: he doesn't want the opposite of this. His wise decision has the objective of trying to improve the squad, because I think the only problem is the defensive area at the moment, other than that it seems like the midfield and the attacking zone are "working" correctly.
And now is time for other Saints fans' opinions! I asked a few Saints fans what they think about this transfer rumor of buying a new defender and their answers turned out to be very interesting...
Opinion no.1 : (@_valiantvalery on Twitter) «I think it's extremely important signing a new defender, yes I do have trust in Stephens and Bednarek, but I don't believe it's enough for a Premier League side's first choices; signing a centre-back who can lead the team is extremely important, because that's kind of what we lack. I wouldn't say what we have at the moment is good enough to be Premier League starters, as much as I like them they're not ready yet, so we need a bigger name centre-back. Not only Bertrand is starting to reach an age where he can do less, so a new full back might be important eventually, as well.»
Opinion no.2 : (@ChrisPen2530 on Twitter) «If we did it would be a good idea, especially since we could do with a defender in all rear positions. Cedric left a hole, Bertrand isn't getting any younger and we could really do with a centre-back to give Vestergaard some competition.»
Opinion no.3 : (@ChrisGarvey13 on Twitter)
«'Only one defender?' would be my question. We definitely need to sign at least one defender in the next window. Ideally a centre-back first. He needs to be mobile, able to read the game and a leader, as we have not replaced Van Dijk yet.»
Opinion no.4 : (@BenStanners on Twitter) «Pros: -Defence needs someone experienced and communicative who can organise and lead back there; -we don’t have any real pace at centre-back - so someone with that sort of asset would be good; -Jack Stephens and Bednarek both have good ability/are consistent, so ideally someone who can mentor them and help develop full potential would be key; -it’s the key area of the pitch/squad that needs strengthening in my opinion, so any transfer funds need to be focused on that position. Cons: -There won’t be much money around this summer (one way or another), so will/can we really get the type of CB we need (proven/experienced really)? -if we can't ship Hoedt and/or Vestergaard then we already have 4 CBs. Is a 5th too many too carry in a senior squad? -it can take players time to adapt in the Premier League/England, so can we be confident recruitment will work this time (for example, who is making the decision on who to sign, if we’ve no specific recruitment team currently? Ralph?) -Coronavirus means the market may be very volatile/unpredictable, so that could make getting the preferred target(s) very challenging.»
Opinion no.5 : (@jamie_pragnell on Twitter) «Cons:
-We have spent too much money on previous players, including defenders where our gamble as it were hasn't paid off: Wesley Hoedt, and now have him on loan where we signed him for over £10 million and we are never going to get our money back on him; -Kevin Danso is on loan, but seems to be a pretty pointless one in the main so far, I hope I am wrong. Vestergaard maybe needs another season, and I am hoping that he's going to improve. Pros: -At least this lockdown has given us more time to take our time and assess the situation and not start panic buying someone for the sake of it perhaps. Keeps the constant competition for places open for everyone.
I think that this lockdown overall for places has maybe given us the luxury of another kind of pre-season scenario, and the whole squad in the main perhaps is on a more level playing field for places, once the season either continues or starts again.
Maybe bring in another defender, but I doubt that we are going to be lucky enough to sign another van Dijk...»
Thank you to all who managed to be part of this blog post and to everyone who supported me! Stay safe you all!
Important Credits: Carl Anka (@Ankaman616 on Twitter), Ben Stanfield (@BenStanners on Twitter) & Rob (@EditSouthampton on Twitter) thank you for your support!