Southampton opened up the 2018/19 Premier League campaign with a point against Burnley last weekend, but one man has been tipped for far greater improvement as the year goes ahead after falling behind his own early standards last season.
Nathan Redmond has never been an out and out goal scorer, but he certainly chips in. Former manager Mauricio Pellergino thought otherwise and gave him a more central role and it didn’t quite work out for him or us despite some promising moments.
The 24-year-old did show some sparks of getting back to his best against Burnley though and given the expectations that surround his clear talent, once he clocks it for club, he should get the call for his country.
Some Southampton fans this think year will be the year that changes his career after Burnley such was their impression of the man, but I’d temper that with he does what he does well, people need to stop expecting something different. He’s not a goalscorer and giving him that mantle helped hold him back.
So let’s not repeat the same mistake based on one reasonable showing…let’s let him do what he does best.
He was excellent throughout. His ability was never in doubt and the goal against Everton (last season) probably lifted a weight. I hope those that got on his back keep their traps shut going forward & I have no worries that he'll be a first team starter all season
— Saint Aidan (@aidanrudd) August 13, 2018
New haircut seemed to improve his performance. #saintsfc looked lively
— Tommy (@we8pompey84) August 12, 2018
Much better performance for me, still needs to act a bit quicker with his descions imo, Hughes has a lot of faith in him as he kept MG & DI on the bench, hopefully he pushes on and keeps improving
— Jamie pang (@jamiepang) August 12, 2018
Needs goals to add to his inconsistent game. And soon hopefully
— Gary Mitchell (@garymitchell40) August 13, 2018
Started off playing behind Austin and looked lost but grew into the game. Burnley looked worried everytime he ran at them especially in the 2nd half. Needs to work on his decision making for the final ball though
— Terry (@Bennett2Terry) August 13, 2018
166 EPL apps with 16 goals and 10 assists. These aren't very inspiring numbers if I'm honest. He's only 24 so he should be coming into the peak of his career. This is a make or break season. If he hasn't improved drastically by Jan, get rid imo.
— Nate Dagogo (@ODagogo) August 13, 2018
He’s the kind of player who’d have been an England regular had he played under Poch or Koeman. He’s a confidence player. So I think Hughes will definitely change him this year for the better as he’s a great man manager too #SaintsFC
— Martin Ferguson (@MartFergie) August 13, 2018
Great performance from him today! I have always thought he suits us better on the right, lets hope it keeps getting better!
— Ian Thompson (@ianthompson08) August 13, 2018
Just has to gain confidence that he can take his man on, looks 10x the player when he receives the ball to feet and runs, but also needs to work on decision making still makes to many rash decisions when a simple pass is on
— Joe B (@Joebound96) August 12, 2018
The confidence comment is spot on from where I sit, he flies when he’s flying and he’s always been the same at previous clubs. He shrinks, as do plenty during struggles and Southampton had plenty of them last season. So let’s make it simple – give him the ball, attack, and see what happens.