Southampton's homegrown genius could allow much flexibility boost to Ivan Juric | OneFootball

Southampton's defense has seen a fair share of challenges in the past few days. But, while the Saints remain puzzled, they have an exciting homegrown talent who can fix their backline woes.

Remember that unforgettable FA Cup defeat from a few days ago? Well, you can disapprove of that result if you want, but that game should be an eye-opener for Southampton.

Put at its best, it was a fixture that exposed the fragility of the Saints' defense.

Firstly, an injury to Harwood-Bellis and Jack Stephens saw Wellington moved to the center-back role. Though Wellington stood excellent against Burnley, this move still didn't appear wise in a defense-stacked roster.

If that felt less, a blunder from defensive duo cost the Saints a humiliating elimination at home.

Otherwise also, with Jack Stephens aging and Pole Jan Bednarek talked of for a move, Southampton's defensive outlook appears concerning. To say the least, a versatile center-back is the need of the hour.

Fortunately, the Saints have a homegrown talent in their ranks who feels tailor-made for this opportunity.

Southampton's homegrown genius could allow much flexibility boost to Ivan Juric

The rising star being talked about here is 18-year-old center-back Max Fry. Recently, the teenager has been performing brilliantly with the U21s, where he netted a decisive late equalizer against Liverpool U21 this week.

Now, you might ask still, what's a standout quality that makes him worthy of the first team duties? The answer is his versatility.

As quoted by the Daily Echo, upon being asked his best position, Fry said: "I play left-back, left-centre-back in a three and a four. I'm happy to play anywhere in defence and I'm very happy to play 21s, it's a good achievement."

A promising young versatile defender, who can score occasionally, what else does one need?

Though the defender has a long way to go, his profile feels like a replica of Kyle Walker-Peters' initial Saints days. With the ex-Tottenham man set to leave soon, is the rise of Max Fry an indication of the football gods themselves?