Daniel Peretz emerges as Southampton’s unlikely catalyst in play-off push | OneFootball

Southampton’s season has swung from anxiety to optimism, with on-loan goalkeeper Daniel Peretz emerging as a pivotal figure in their revived push for the top six.

They were 21st when Will Still was sacked on 2 November, yet they have climbed into contention. According to Sainstmarching.com, Peretz’s form has underpinned that surge.

The goalkeeper arrived from Bayern Munich in January and was installed as first choice after Gavin Bazunu and Alex McCarthy struggled earlier in the campaign. A Maccabi Tel Aviv graduate, he impressed in the Europa League and the Conference League before Bayern paid €5 million for him almost three years ago.

Game time in Bavaria was scarce, only seven appearances, and a loan to Hamburger SV brought just two DFB-Pokal outings. Recalled mid-season, he switched to Southampton, a move that has proved far more fruitful.

Across 12 EFL Championship games, his save percentage stands at 78.6%, the second-best among goalkeepers with 10 or more saves, behind Richard O'Donnell of Derby County on 92.9%.

Peretz has quickly become a favourite on the South Coast, with supporters urging the club to trigger a reported €8 million option to buy. Even if that does not happen, he looks central to the run-in, with six of the Saints’ remaining nine matches at St Mary’s. They are currently sixth, occupying the final play-off place. If they do go up, Peretz could be a major reason.

Source: Sainstmarching.com