Sport Republic spent the summer working to build a squad for Russell Martin, aimed at keeping Southampton in the Premier League. The club made 14 first-team signings, but one of their most notable achievements was retaining Kyle Walker-Peters, despite interest from West Ham and Tottenham.
Martin has largely relied on the core group of players that helped Southampton secure promotion, sticking with them for the first three matches of the season. However, following three consecutive defeats upon their return to the Premier League, a change in strategy is anticipated for their upcoming game against Manchester United after the international break, with a likely reshuffle of the squad.
In the opening two games of the season – 1-0 losses to Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest – nine of the starting XI were holdovers from last season, with eight returning for the most recent game against Brentford.
Tony Cascarino believes Aaron Ramsdale is Southampton’s key man
In Southampton’s 3-1 loss to Brentford, the only change from their first two Premier League matches was Aaron Ramsdale replacing Alex McCarthy in goal. Ramsdale had just joined the team the day before, with Southampton agreeing to pay Arsenal up to £25 million for the England international.
McCarthy’s early-season struggles underscored the need for an upgrade in goal, and Ramsdale is seen as a major improvement. Tony Cascarino echoed this sentiment, calling Ramsdale Southampton’s “most important player” on *TalkSPORT* (9:15am, Sunday). Cascarino remarked, “I’m not sure how easily Ramsdale will settle at Southampton because they concede a lot of chances. They can dominate games in terms of possession, but they give away too many opportunities.”
He added, “Ramsdale is crucial to their success, and that’s why they spent such a large fee on him. If he performs poorly, I think they’ll definitely be relegated. He needs to be brilliant for them this season.”
Ramsdale could replace Flynn Downes as Southampton’s main man
Despite all of Southampton’s summer signings, one could argue that before Aaron Ramsdale’s Deadline Day arrival, Flynn Downes was the club’s most critical acquisition. Downes was outstanding during his loan spell at Southampton from West Ham last season, and securing him on a permanent deal was Russell Martin’s top priority.
Southampton paid West Ham £18 million for the midfielder, whose role at the base of Martin’s midfield is vital to the team’s playing style. After joining West Ham in 2022, Downes didn’t get much of a chance to prove himself at his boyhood club, and he’s now eager to show that he can thrive in the Premier League.
If the 25-year-old can replicate last season’s form at the top level, both he and Ramsdale will be crucial to Southampton’s survival hopes this season.
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