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da betsson： This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
In just four league games so far this season, Ralph Hasenhuttl has used a 3-5-2 system in the first two matches, and a 4-2-2-2 formation in the two most recent outings – both had differing results.
With the 3-5-2, Southampton lost 3-0 to Burnley and also lost 2-1 to Liverpool, looking shaky at the back and also fairly toothless up top – their only goal came courtesy of Liverpool’s Adrian kicking the ball at Danny Ings.
However, with the 4-2-2-2 system, the Saints picked up a 2-0 win over Brighton – the Seagulls did have 10 men for a large portion of the game – whilst also recording an impressive 1-1 draw against Manchester United last time out.
Whilst the likes of Jannik Vestergaard enjoyed a much improved performance in the new formation against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, one man did not in both that game and the match at the Amex – it could even be argued that he is set to become a casualty of Hasenhuttl’s tactical switch.
James Ward-Prowse.
The Southampton academy graduate is predominantly a centre-midfielder, although he can play on the right.
It is out on the right where the 24-year-old has been playing of late, and he really isn’t faring too well in the position.
Ward-Prowse played on the right of midfield in the win over Brighton and the draw against United, but was ineffective in both games.
The Englishman failed to record a single shot or dribble against the Seagulls, whilst also being dispossessed twice and having one unsuccessful touch.
Against the Red Devils, Ward-Prowse was just as ineffective, taking zero shots and completing zero dribbles, whilst recording just one key pass.
For a player of his undoubted quality – he scored seven goals from midfield last term under Hasenhuttl – much more is expected of the usually so impressive midfielder, but he really isn’t supplying the goods right now.
With Moussa Djenepo, Nathan Redmond and Michael Obafemi still to come back from injury, competition for places will be rife after the international break and Ward-Prowse could be the man to miss out due to his ineffectiveness in the 4-2-2-2 system.
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