Transfer News:
Southampton were absolutely shambolic in the Premier League last campaign, as they languished in the relegation zone for the majority of the season before managing to meekly scrape through a couple of favourable results. This ensured that they continued their stay in the Premier League but the team has gone from potential European spot contenders to a participant in the relegation dogfight and hence that would not please the club’s hierarchy at all.
Hence, they are looking to shake things up a little and that brings us to the news that the Saints have signed Celtic player Stuart Armstrong. Southampton need to beef up their attacking personnel, as they were excessively bleak last season and hardly posed any threat in front of goal. It is a promising sign that they are addressing the dire areas of the squad and here I put forth my opinion on this particular transfer.
Armstrong: Player Profile
Stuart is of Scottish descent, having taken birth in Aberdeen. He started playing for Dundee United in his initial years and eventually rose up the ranks to feature regularly in the first-team. He is now 26 years old and plays in an attacking midfield position though he could effectively shift his positions according to the demands of the game. Stuart is fleet-footed and hence his nimble footwork helps him work the ball around in close spaces. He is technically equipped and can play out a variety of roles that is important from a midfielder’s perspective in the British game.
The player has a diligent work-ethic, so he can close down spaces and press the opposition effectively whenever required. He is a menacing presence in the box due to his stature and built and can make those late runs from the midfield, which facilitates the wide players to send crosses at the appropriate time. He can hold the ball up, distribute it to the wings or make those inch-perfect short passes from outside the box too. Stuart can play as a secondary striker and is a potent threat in front of the goal, having scored 17 goals in the 2016-17 season when Celtic won the domestic treble.
What does this mean for Southampton?
The Saints have had a habit of overachieving despite the annual tradition of selling their best players. They have the tendency to defeat the lower-ranked clubs and can spring a surprise or two against the big guns a couple of times a season. Last campaign was utterly disappointing for them as they failed to keep hold of the momentum and were too lacklustre, lacked the intent, passion and drive and hence had to wait till the end to secure their status as a top-flight club. The signing of Stuart Armstrong is a move in the correct direction and a bid for revival.
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored