Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier has given a bumper interview recently as he casts his eye over all things St Mary’s as we continue our preparations under manager Ralph Hasenhuttl for the coming 2019/20 Premier League campaign.
With improvement the clear watchword at the club after a number of disappointing seasons, Le Tissier told the Daily Echo that he felt we should obviously be targeting a striker and at least one centre-back, but he also felt we should be looking to strengthen the left back area.
With Ryan Bertrand and Matt Targett sharing the position over the last campaign, MLT felt that Bertrand had struggled to be as ‘dynamic’ as he had been, and although he knew Targett had plenty of development left to do, he did feel that he’d ‘struggled’.
“I think in the last couple of seasons Ryan hasn’t been as dynamic as he was in the first seasons he was here. 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.”
With plenty still having high hopes for our 23-year-old Academy graduate, many fans will be hoping MLT’s comments about kicking on prove to be true, and with the criticism that Bertrand has received from some sections in the fanbase, they’ll probably welcome his words on that score as well.
Unless the recent return of the Fulham speculation proves to be true though, I certainly wouldn’t expect any arrivals in that position as we have more pressing worries on a strengthening front for me.
