Russell Martin reveals what has ‘never’ been in consideration after surprise Southampton decision

Russell Martin reveals what has ‘never’ been in consideration after surprise Southampton decision.

When it comes to choosing his Southampton team each week, Russell Martin must make important choices like any other manager.

Russell Martin has never concealed the fact that, in an ideal world, he would like to be leading a smaller team at Southampton; nevertheless, as things stand, he will have an oversized squad through at least January.

Due to this, players like Ryan Manning, Paul Onuachu, Ronnie Edwards, and Aaron Bella-Kotchap have been left out of the Premier League starting lineup for the majority of the season, and this is not expected to change anytime soon.

Martin has made several changes to the starting lineup in the last two games as he continues to search for the ideal group of players to lead Southampton to their first league victory of the year.

Martin has now spoken on this unexpected choice, which was to replace Kyle Walker-Peters at left-back with Charlie Taylor.

Russell Martin maintains that the Southampton contract situation for Kyle Walker-Peters is unimportant.

Walker-Peters was one of Southampton’s most impressive players during the team’s championship run the previous year.

West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur were also interested in the full-back during the summer, and even though he decided to stay at Southampton, he is now in the final year of his contract, which means he may walk away for free the next summer.

“We felt that the team needed some balance, and it really helps that we have a natural left-footer.”Charlie was excellent in my opinion; he played two games last week and will only get better. Additionally, Ryan Manning is unable to join the team.

“The team’s balance was the key.” Right present, there aren’t many left-footed athletes competing. Probably, Charlie was the only one.

Martin continued, saying, “Kyle is prepared to play. He knows why. People keep bringing up his contract, but that wasn’t an issue between Stuey Armstrong and Che Adams.

That won’t ever provide a challenge. The goal will be to put the best players on the field while trying to win a game.

“There are six, seven, or eight guys who are not on the team. Among them are some foreigners. It’s not simple.

Martin right to improve Southampton balance

Charlie Taylor of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Ipswich Town FC at St Mary's Stadium on September 21, 2024...

Walker-Peters is undoubtedly a very talented player, but Martin is forced to prioritize the demands of the Southampton team over those of any one player.

Taylor earned his opportunity to play against Ipswich after playing well against Everton in the Carabao Cup, when he also shown his ability to create opportunities with a pass.

It is unfortunate for Martin that two of his greatest players, Walker-Peters and Sugawara, play the same position, but Southampton did look a little one-dimensional when the right-footed Walker-Peters was positioned on the left side of a defensive four.

Instead of having two full-backs, Sugawara is naturally more offensive, so having Taylor provides the squad much greater balance and a more solid feel.

Martin’s remarks imply that Taylor will start against Bournemouth on Monday night and that Walker-Peters will now have to prove he deserves a comeback.

Read more news on https://sportupdates.co.uk/

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