Former wonderkid cherishes ending Southampton's decade old European dream | OneFootball

Many of you might not know of Tim Sparv. Ready for a shock? Well, he was that ex-Saint who eliminated Southampton from their first Europa League campaign in over a decade, during 2015/16.

If you watched Southampton back in 2015/16, you would surely pity the club's current situation. But it makes sense, as we compare the Saints' worst and greatest displays in a while.

In all fairness, Southampton's mid-2010s were their best years ever. Star studded with Sadio Mane, Van Dijk, and Dusan Tadic, while led by Ronald Koeman, the Saints had achieved their record-best finish in the 2015/16 Premier League campaign.

Naturally, given all this, a brilliant European run was expected from them back then. But, the way it went would surely disappoint the new fans.

Former wonderkid cherishes ending Southampton's decade old European dream

Coincidentally, it was an ex-Saint, Tim Sparv, who influenced Southampton's Europa League elimination that year. Having lined up for Southampton's U18 teams, Sparv's big breakthrough surprisingly came away from the Saints.

In such a scenario, players often aim to cross paths with their former club in the future. Though as an opponent, Sparv faced Southampton and his Midtjylland team also managed to script a fairytale Europa League win.

Looking back to that decade old match, Sparv fondly told TipsBladet: "I had a past as an academy player, so coming back and playing at St. Mary's is not something I will ever forget."

Understandably, progressing in the Europa League at the expense of Southampton must have been a joyful outing for the holding midfielder.

On the other hand, Southampton's European dream crumbled at the final hurdle. An aspiration that was properly fulfilled next season when the Saints advanced through to the group stages.

This Southampton comeback remains one of the club's biggest achievements even today. One, which is expected to inspire the current squad to rise up in front of their Premier League challenges.