Southampton’s unbelievable XI made up of past and present academy products, Arsenal trio & Man United stars included…
Southampton have become known as a selling club over the years. Their fantastic youth system has produced a number of the world’s biggest stars, only for bigger clubs with more financial backing to come along and snatch them up.
But what if Southampton refused to sell? What if the club currently sat second in the Premier League held onto all their young talent?
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Here is what Southampton’s starting XI would look like if made up entirely of past and present academy graduates:
GK) Paulo Gazzaniga – Southampton
Not the worst shot-stopper in the world, but a far cry from their current man between the sticks Fraser Forster.
RB) Calum Chambers – Arsenal
Arguably Chambers would be better utilised at centre-back, with Nathaniel Clyne doing a superb job at right-back this season.
CB) Chris Baird – West Bromwich Albion
Now the wrong side of 30, Baird would at least add some experience to the Saints back line.
CB) Jack Stephens – Southampton
Not really of the required quality to play in the Premier League just yet, but centre-back is arguably the only really weak position in this side.
LB) Luke Shaw – Manchester United
His performances for the South coast club earned him a record breaking move to Manchester United earlier in the year. Despite Ryan Bertrand performing well, I’m sure they would take Shaw back in a heartbeat.
CM) James Ward-Prowse – Southampton
Definitely one for the future, Ward-Prowse has shown glimpses of real quality over the last couple of seasons.
CM) Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – Arsenal
With Theo Walcott’s injury allowing him some much needed game time, the Ox seems to be heading for a breakout season in 2014/15.
CM) Adam Lallana – Liverpool
His move to Liverpool hasn’t exactly been the unbridled success he was probably hoping for, but he is still a player of undeniable quality.
RW) Nathan Dyer – Swansea
Dyer’s pace alone makes him an unbelievably deadly winger, and he has been utilised superbly by Swansea.
LW) Gareth Bale – Real Madrid
Definitely the one that got away. If Southampton had managed to hold onto him there is no telling whether he would be the same player he is today, but already one of the world’s best the Premier League side must be kicking themselves for letting him go.
ST) Theo Walcott – Arsenal
One of the fastest forwards in the world, Theo Walcott is feared by every defender that has come up against him. Definitely another player Southampton surely wish they could have held onto.