2 Players Southampton Must Build Around This Summer | OneFootball

In the wake of Spygate, playoff expulsion, and a four-point deduction, Southampton are set to face one of their most significant summers in recent times.

Yet, since players will inevitably leave, experienced figures will become more important than ever. Two stand out as essential foundations in helping stabilise the club.

Jack Stephens

An injury may have cut his season short, but the Southampton captain emerged as one of their most consistent players. Under Tonda Eckert, Stephens was a staple, notching 24 starts.

He flourished as a left-sided central defender. His role was to accompany the ball-playing defender (Taylor Harwood-Bellis) and act as the reliable anchor.

While ranking fifth for short passes per 90 (55), he ranked second among Championship centre-backs for forward pass completion. His partner, Harwood-Bellis, attempted far more; Stephens was selective. His experience guided him in picking passes into either the defensive midfielder or the left flank.

Early doubts set in after his slow start to the season. Worries stemmed from mistakes and defensive errors. His revitalisation under Eckert has to be commended, given the correlation it had with Southampton’s success in the latter half of the season. The 32-year-old found far more success amidst a four-man defence. While his positioning and experience remain valuable, Stephens can still be exposed against quicker forwards in transition.

This year marks Stephens’ 15th year at the club.

The Englishman should be pivotal to any plans for the next campaign, regardless of the manager. With two years remaining on his contract, he’s proven his value time and time again, having a profound effect on the pitch and off it.

Ryan Manning

Ryan Manning has been a game-changer this past season.

Accumulating eight goals and six assists places him third for most goal contributions at Southampton. He’s been a consistent goal threat. On set pieces, of which he has scored four, he’s supplied the Saints with a whole new dimension to his game.

He’s also made 51 appearances – his most appearances in a single campaign.

At left-back, his role has been crucial. In the initial phase, he made himself available to Stephens. When he received, he often looked to play a ball into the space behind the opposition’s defence or recycle possession. If the ball shifted to the right (Harwood-Bellis), he made himself available for the switch.

Manning topped Championship full-backs for progressive actions and goal contributions. His effectiveness is also heavily reliant on having strong defensive support around him. Though not defensively dominant, Manning’s attacking output transformed Southampton’s left side alongside winger Leo Scienza.

Signing for Russell Martin in 2023, he has just one year left on his current deal. Offering him a renewal this summer would send a strong statement of intent.

In a squad facing potential upheaval, the defensive pair of Jack Stephens and Ryan Manning offer proven quality and a sense of consistency into next season.

With the right additions and a clear plan, these two could lay the basis for another strong Championship campaign. Southampton are facing heavy leadership scrutiny at the moment; entering a summer likely defined by uncertainty, they cannot afford to lose the players who provide core structure, leadership and reliability.