This article is part of Football FanCast’s In The Pipeline series, which takes a look at some of the most promising young talent either linked with clubs or emerging from their academies…
It is no secret that Southampton have been struggling at right-back.
That particular area is one that Ralph Hasenhuttl reportedly wants strengthening (The Mirror 12 November, page 53) as he has rotated between his only two options in Cedric Soares and Yan Valery throughout the current campaign, with the pair making nine and seven Premier League starts respectively.
However, while the former RB Leipzig boss seems to be viewing Cedric as his No.1 choice – having started the Portugal international in the last six Premier League outings – the former Sporting Lisbon man isn’t delivering.
Cedric has played a part in Southampton having the Premier League’s worst defensive record this term with 36 concessions in 17 outings, and while he may not be solely responsible, his performance against Norwich drew criticism from these Saints fans on Twitter, while these supporters were also unhappy to see him named in the starting XI against Newcastle in the next game following such a woeful showing.
Without looking to the transfer market, Hasenhuttl has another option to add to his two right-backs under his nose in academy prospect Kayne Ramsay.
Ramsay won’t be a stranger to Hasenhuttl, as the Austrian handed the right-back his Premier League debut in a game against Manchester City at St Mary’s last season – perhaps now, given the problems on the right side of defence, the former RB Leipzig boss should have another look at the 19-year-old.
The teenager has been a mainstay in the Southampton U23 team this season, making 12 appearances while picking up two yellow cards along with way.
There is clearly something about Ramsay that caught Hasenhuttl’s eye, or he wouldn’t have handed him his Premier League debut last season, so perhaps the young academy starlet can now ease the Saints manager’s woes in what is turning out to be a troublesome position by handing him a fresh alternative to Cedric and Valery.
In other news, Hasenhuttl must stop doing this one thing in the media while his players are in a relegation battle…
