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Southampton have endured a difficult start to life in the Premier League, with Russell Martin yet to taste victory as a top flight manager.
After a successful first season in charge of Southampton last season, Russell Martin may already be starting to feel the pressure of the Premier League with the Saints 19th in the league.
Southampton have lost six and drawn one of their first seven league fixtures and the home game against Leicester City after the international break could be make or break for Martin.
In order to try and turn around the poor early season form, Martin has tried a number of different variations of players and has had the difficult task of integrating 14 first-team signings.
With that in mind, here are the 11 best performers for Southampton in the Premier League so far.
Southampton best XI players so far this season
It should be noted that this is not necessarily the team that we feel Southampton should play, but the best individual performers put into Martin’s generally favoured 4-3-3 formation.
Goalkeeper – Aaron Ramsdale
Aaron Ramsdale has been the undisputed number one since his £25 million Deadline Day arrival.
A real coup for Southampton, Ramsdale has made some brilliant saves since arriving and has been unfortunate not to keep a first clean sheet.
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Right-back – Yukinari Sugawara
Yukinari Sugawara has been an absolute revelation since signing from AZ Alkmaar this summer.
The right-back has started every league match and has quickly become a fan favourite with his boundless energy and desire to get forward.
Centre-back – Taylor Harwood-Bellis
Taylor Harwood-Bellis struggled in the early weeks of the season but has got up to speed quickly.
Southampton have conceded 15 goals in seven games so the defence have not covered themselves in glory but the 22-year-old is in the best XI.
Centre-back – Jan Bednarek
Jan Bednarek put in a heroic display against Arsenal despite the 3-1 defeat and has been Southampton’s best centre-back this campaign.
Now an experienced pro, Bednarek will continue to be crucial this season.
Left-back – Kyle Walker-Peters
Kyle Walker-Peters is yet to play in his favoured right-back role due to the form of Sugawara, but started the season playing on the left.
Found himself replaced in the team by Charlie Taylor against Ipswich Town and Bournemouth before showing his quality in an unorthodox centre-back role against Arsenal.
Holding midfield – Flynn Downes
With usual captain Jack Stephens suspended, Flynn Downes has been handed the captaincy.
The defensive midfielder was arguably Southampton’s best player last season and has not been able to assert himself quite as much in the Premier League but is still a pivotal member of Martin’s side.
Centre-midfield – Adam Lallana
Adam Lallana took a while to get up to speed after missing pre-season through injury.
The 36-year-old is having his minutes managed by Martin but has looked a class above every time he has been on the pitch.
Centre-midfield – Joe Aribo
The other centre-midfield spot is up for debate, with no one really claiming it as their own.
Joe Aribo had a spell out of the side but showed off how good he can be off the bench against Bournemouth to earn a start against Arsenal.
Provides real strength in the centre of the pitch.
Right wing – Tyler Dibling
Remarkably, 18-year-old Tyler Dibling has been Southampton’s most threatening player since Martin decided to unleash the teenager from the start against Manchester United.
Already attracting interest from elsewhere, Southampton are becoming increasingly reliant on Dibling to provide the spark playing from the right wing.
Centre-forward – Cameron Archer
In truth, none of Southampton’s strikers have stood out so far this season.
However, Cameron Archer became the first of Martin’s centre-forwards to score in the league with his strike against Arsenal and has been the best of a disappointing bunch.
Left wing – Mateus Fernandes
Mateus Fernandes would have taken the third midfield spot but given the lack of quality of any of Southampton’s left wingers Fernandes will have to slot in here.
Performed the role well against Arsenal and is a real live-wire who looks a really good signing since joining from Sporting.
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