Five Southampton players who impressed during 2026/27 pre-season | OneFootball

Southampton wrapped a productive 2026/27 pre-season, with five players pushing for starts when Tonda Eckert’s side visit Colchester United in the Carabao Cup on Saturday.

They began with a 3-1 win at Eastleigh before a four-game camp in Germany. According to Sainstmarching.com, Paderborn and a brief SC Preußen Münster tie were behind closed doors, while two further friendlies were shown to fans.

Eckert’s team lost only once, 2-1 to Bundesliga side Paderborn, and the trip still counted despite Finn Azaz and Caspar Jander staying in England for treatment.

New signing Lewis Dobbin stood out, thriving as a second striker. He scored three and set up another across five outings, staking a claim to start as Eckert’s No.10 against Colchester then Watford.

Flynn Downes looked a Rolls-Royce in midfield. The 27-year-old, a regular late last season despite competition from Shea Charles and Jander, controlled games and motored in the SC Preußen Münster finale, surely a lock for the first league match.

Academy forward Romeo Akachukwu, 20, showed confidence off the left in his first pre-season. With Cam Bragg breaking through last year, Akachukwu could be next. Right winger Kuryu Matsuki also impressed, mature beyond his 23 years, with Tom Fellows injured at times.

Joe O’Brien-Whitmarsh played the full 90 with Downes in the final game, raw in moments but clearly gifted. With Charles looking like he could depart St Mary’s this window, he could join Bragg among homegrown options. Focus now shifts to Colchester at 5.30 pm on Saturday, August 8.

Source: Sainstmarching.com

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