“Put In A Shift” “Best Game Of His Saints Career” - This Man Wins Over Some Doubters

I think it’s fair to say that Southampton centre-half Wesley Hoedt splits the fanbase.

Having come in from Lazio in a reported £15million deal in August 2017, the 24-year-old has had both ups and downs but he did make 32 appearances during his maiden year at St Mary’s Stadium but we all know it was a difficult season so it wasn’t the best year for him to try and make the adjustment to the Premier League given the way we struggled in general.

Manager Mark Hughes seems to like him and he’s featured regularly in the starting eleven under him and he has featured in all four Premier League games so far, including last weekend’s victory over Crystal Palace.

With a 2-0 win as we picked up our first three points of the season, whilst it was far from perfect in terms of the overall performance, there was plenty to be positive about and Hoedt came in for some good praise following the full-time whistle for his efforts on the day.

Watching highlights on MOTD and I have to say, as much as he's been poor and been given stick, Hoedt put in a shift today and looked a lot more composed than usual.

— Kieran ???? (@KieranKelly015) September 1, 2018

Hoedt had the best game of his Saints career to date, which I was really pleased for him. Vestergaard was absolutely dominant in the air and really helped to defend against Benteke. Lemina was great again and Ings looks the striker we’ve needed for a while. #SaintsFC

— Nathan Newington (@newington13) September 1, 2018

You know what will upset everyone, Wesley Hoedt was very good today #saintsfc

— Ryan Taylor (@Ryan_SaintsFC) September 1, 2018

One of your best games for Saints today Wesley. Top work.????????

— Shaun Saintly (@Shaunsaint1976) September 1, 2018

Solid today Wes. The block from you during the scramble in the box near the end ???????? fair play!! Everyone played so well today. Keep it up lads!! #saintsfc

— Martin Ferguson (@MartFergie) September 1, 2018