Post by sagarshetty on Oct 26, 2013 17:43:37 GMT 5.5
The surprise package: Southampton FC
![](http://icons.iconarchive.com/icons/giannis-zographos/british-football-club/256/Southampton-FC-icon.png)
![]()
In a season which has been full of surprises,the biggest one has definitely been the rise of the saints.Agreed,they put in a solid performance last year too,but with a few smart signings,now they are right up there with the top of the bunch,and there's no reason why they can't finish in the top 6 if they carry on this stupendous run of form.Lets have a look at the factors which have played the biggest role in this turnaround:
![]()
Manager:
Arguably the biggest reason for their rise has been the appointment of Mauricio Pocchetino .The saints faithful have had only positive things to say about the manager who helped them finish 14th in their first season back in top flight after taking over in January this year.He was also extremely active in the transfer window,with smart buys like Wanyama and Lovren and also the club's record signing,Pablo Osvaldo .Pocchetino is definitely the right man to lead the saints forward for the forseeable future.
![](http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8457647.ece/ALTERNATES/w460/Mauricio-Pochettino-2.jpg)
Star Men:
Rickie Lambert:A relatively unknown name outside England,Lambert had a sensational season for Southampton last year with an astounding 15 goals and 8 assists to his credit.The strong forward is among the best in the air and is flying high after netting twice in his first two games for his nation.His role has changed with the recruit of Pablo Osvaldo,so it would be interesting to see if Lambert can continue his surge this season too.
![]()
![]()
Morgan Schneiderlin:
One of the most underrated defensive midfielders in the premier league,Schneiderlin has shown immense maturity for a player aged 23.He now has an able partner in victor wanyama,and the partnership is one of the key reasons of their fantastic defensive record this season.The frenchman can only get better from here,and maybe its time some top flight clubs have a look at him.
![](https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTd35uO2T0TtrdGwEoHX1-fyXLsnLXdnKGP0VPmKLx1Om2Vfa0Axg)
Young Guns:
Luke Shaw: Tall,Strong and British,the 18year full back old has caught everyone's eye and is said to be monitored by all top premier league clubs.The youngster has established himself as a regular starter under Pocchetino and his bombing runs on the left flank are among Soton's major weapons.He can improve his defensive work,but he has time on his side and is definitely among the brightest young prospects in football.
![]()
![](http://images.dailyexpress.co.uk/img/dynamic/67/590x/southampton-366402.jpg)
Victor Wanyama: The summer signing has already established himself in the starting lineup and is showing glimpses of why the saints had to fight so hard to get his signature.The incredibly strong midfielder is versatile and can also play as a central defender,and should form key part a key part of the saints future.
![](https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTbFds8_sRvRxdDbGFKpwRxYiDEeV0Mm_S9NVZUjXbSWMKyCgpT)
The path forward:
For Southampton,there's nothing to lose and the opportunities are endless,but a top-10 finish looks a very realistic target which they should achieve.They have had a strong start and will look to carry the momentum forward in the coming games.With the likes of Lallana and Jay Rodriguez stepping up to support Osvaldo and Lambert,the Southampton attack looks formidable,to combine with a disciplined defence consisting of two promosing full backs in shaw and clyne,with Jose fonte and Dejan lovren in the centre,the team does hold a lot of promise for bigger things in the future.
-By Sagar Shetty, Follow me on twitter here
![](http://icons.iconarchive.com/icons/giannis-zographos/british-football-club/256/Southampton-FC-icon.png)
In a season which has been full of surprises,the biggest one has definitely been the rise of the saints.Agreed,they put in a solid performance last year too,but with a few smart signings,now they are right up there with the top of the bunch,and there's no reason why they can't finish in the top 6 if they carry on this stupendous run of form.Lets have a look at the factors which have played the biggest role in this turnaround:
Manager:
Arguably the biggest reason for their rise has been the appointment of Mauricio Pocchetino .The saints faithful have had only positive things to say about the manager who helped them finish 14th in their first season back in top flight after taking over in January this year.He was also extremely active in the transfer window,with smart buys like Wanyama and Lovren and also the club's record signing,Pablo Osvaldo .Pocchetino is definitely the right man to lead the saints forward for the forseeable future.
![](http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8457647.ece/ALTERNATES/w460/Mauricio-Pochettino-2.jpg)
Star Men:
Rickie Lambert:A relatively unknown name outside England,Lambert had a sensational season for Southampton last year with an astounding 15 goals and 8 assists to his credit.The strong forward is among the best in the air and is flying high after netting twice in his first two games for his nation.His role has changed with the recruit of Pablo Osvaldo,so it would be interesting to see if Lambert can continue his surge this season too.
Morgan Schneiderlin:
One of the most underrated defensive midfielders in the premier league,Schneiderlin has shown immense maturity for a player aged 23.He now has an able partner in victor wanyama,and the partnership is one of the key reasons of their fantastic defensive record this season.The frenchman can only get better from here,and maybe its time some top flight clubs have a look at him.
Young Guns:
Luke Shaw: Tall,Strong and British,the 18year full back old has caught everyone's eye and is said to be monitored by all top premier league clubs.The youngster has established himself as a regular starter under Pocchetino and his bombing runs on the left flank are among Soton's major weapons.He can improve his defensive work,but he has time on his side and is definitely among the brightest young prospects in football.
![](http://images.dailyexpress.co.uk/img/dynamic/67/590x/southampton-366402.jpg)
Victor Wanyama: The summer signing has already established himself in the starting lineup and is showing glimpses of why the saints had to fight so hard to get his signature.The incredibly strong midfielder is versatile and can also play as a central defender,and should form key part a key part of the saints future.
The path forward:
For Southampton,there's nothing to lose and the opportunities are endless,but a top-10 finish looks a very realistic target which they should achieve.They have had a strong start and will look to carry the momentum forward in the coming games.With the likes of Lallana and Jay Rodriguez stepping up to support Osvaldo and Lambert,the Southampton attack looks formidable,to combine with a disciplined defence consisting of two promosing full backs in shaw and clyne,with Jose fonte and Dejan lovren in the centre,the team does hold a lot of promise for bigger things in the future.
-By Sagar Shetty, Follow me on twitter here