Members of the Southampton summer exodus rated so far this season. Arsenal and Liverpool new boys included…
Following big money moves to the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool, things were looking bright for the Southampton summer exits this season. But how have they actually been doing this campaign so far?
With so many departures from Southampton this season, many people assumed that the South coast side would be relegation candidates. It’s quite the opposite however, and Ronald Koeman has got his new team flying high.
A number of those that left for greener pastures are finding that life isn’t quite as sweet as they had hoped however, and Southampton have been left laughing all the way to the bank.
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Here are eight players from the Southampton exodus rated in order of worst to best so far this season:
8) Rickie Lambert – Liverpool
It always seemed like a somewhat bizarre move fro Lambert to join Liverpool, with the 32-year-old always likely to struggle for game time.
Although he had been performing out of his skin at Southampton for years, he is certainly not the calibre of striker that Liverpool need if they are to have any hope of challenging for titles.
As was expected the Englishman has spent much of his time on the bench, and if he can’t get into the team ahead of a misfiring Mario Balotelli then that is unlikely to change once Daniel Sturridge returns from injury.
7) Luke Shaw – Manchester United
Shaw’s move to Manchester United may eventually prove a fruitful one, but as of yet his massive record breaking fee seems totally unjustified.
Louis van Gaal didn’t seem to be a fan of the youngster initially, and his fitness was brought into question at the start of the season.
Injuries have hampered his start to life at Old Trafford as well, and it’s not even clear whether he is the first choice left-back for United at the moment.
6) Gaston Ramirez – Hull City
The Uruguayan being loaned to Hull was something of a shock move as far as many were concerned. The reasons were unclear, but despite Ramirez being Southampton’s record signing when he signed in 2012, he was clearly not in Ronald Koeman’s plans.
He hasn’t exactly exploded onto the scene at Hull, with his appearances going fairly under the radar. Will Steve Bruce be able to get the best out of the tricky South American?
5) Mauricio Pochettino – Tottenham
After a superb spell at Southampton, Mauricio Pochettino was supposed to be the man to elevate Tottenham to the next level that they have been reaching for for so long. It doesn’t seem to have worked out that way so far however, and it seems like a case of new manager, same Tottenham.
There is still plenty of the season to go, but the Argentine will have to drastically improve if he hopes to break into the top four.
4) Dejan Lovren – Liverpool
One of the best defenders in the league last season, Dejan Lovren has been massively slated since his move to Liverpool this summer.
He has looked lost at times in the heart of defence, and Liverpool fans are already calling for him to be dropped.
His £20m price tag certainly didn’t help things, but with the Croatian’s undeniable quality, surely he will come good eventually?
3) Danny Osvaldo – Inter Milan
Osvaldo has actually been in superb form since joining Inter on loan, despite a torrid time at both Southampton and Juventus.
He has scored an impressive five goals in all competitions, and has even grabbed himself two assists in Serie A as well.
If he can continue this form then he should definitely be rewarded with a permanent move to Italy, and Southampton may even recoup some of the money they spent to bring him in in the first place.
He is still officially a Southampton player for the moment though, so his future is still somewhat up in the air.
2) Adam Lallana – Liverpool
The former Southampton captain didn’t get off to the best start following his move, but that looks now to have been mostly due to injury. With the possible exception of Raheem Sterling, none of his new team have exactly been in fine form, but Lallana does seem to be steadily growing into the role he has been given.
He is yet to come anywhere near justifying his enormous price tag, but at least he is now contributing consistently.
1) Calum Chambers – Arsenal
Chambers is arguably the only player from the Southampton exodus whose career has actually taken a step in the right direction following his summer move.
He has been utilised regularly for the Gunners across the back line, and looks to be a superb acquisition by Arsene Wenger. His form has been quickly noticed and has even earned him a number of England call-ups.
The French manager seems to view the youngster as a long-term replacement for Per Mertesacker in the centre of defence, but for the moment his versatility has made him a vital part of the Arsenal set-up.