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Southampton: Three hopes, one fear

By Sean Maslin

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 13: Nordin Amrabat of Watford battle for possession with Steven Davis of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Watford at St Mary's Stadium on August 13, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 13: Nordin Amrabat of Watford battle for possession with Steven Davis of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Watford at St Mary's Stadium on August 13, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 08: Kyle Walker of Tottenham Hotspur is chased down by Ryan Bertrand of Southampton during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton at White Hart Lane on May 8, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 08: Kyle Walker of Tottenham Hotspur is chased down by Ryan Bertrand of Southampton during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton at White Hart Lane on May 8, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

Hope #2: That Ryan Bertrand can have another dominant season at left back.

It is amazing what happens when one gets the chance to start consistently for a squad and doesn’t have to worry about being loaned out somewhere. After spending close to a decade being loaned out to pretty much every Championship and League One side for Chelsea, Ryan Bertrand signed a four-year deal to stay with last club that they loaned him out to: Southampton. After earning the trust of Saints management, Bertrand has quietly turned into one of the best left-backs in the Premier League.

What made Bertrand so successful last season was his technique. Although his size and speed make him a very difficult defender to handle it is his ability to mark and box out the opposition that truly separate him from the rest.

He seems to have innate understanding of the exact amount of space needed to either end an attacking chance or to give himself adequate to make a pass to a teammate. Southampton conceded just 41 goals last season which was tied with Manchester City for fifth lowest in the Premier League last season.

With Bertrand, Cedric Soares, Virgil van Dijik, and Jose Fonte all back for another season Saints supporters will hope that enough dominant defensive effort will be on the horizon.

Next: That Steven Davis has the legs for another Premier League campaign.

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