How Southampton’s players rated in defeat against Hapoel Be’er Sheva

Fri 9 December 2016 11:30, UK

Southampton crashed out of the Europa League after a limp performance at home against Hapoel Be’er Sheva. They were guilty of being complacent and Claude Puel’s game plan always 🌼left the risk of getting knocked out. He was overly cautious and allowed Hapoel to remain in the game, which is exactly what the visitors would have wanted. It was a performance that summed up their Europa League campaign as a whole. They have been good at the back, but lacked invention in attack. Here are how their players rated on Thursday evening:

Fraser Forster – The goalkeeper had little to do and couldn’t have done much better for the goal. It was a quiet evening for the England international and that will be good for him in the short term as he can move on from the mistake he made against Crystal Palace. 5

Cedric Soares – The Euro 2016 winner provided Southampton with an attacking outlet down the right wing. His energy and tenacity make him a good player in both halves of the pitch. Unfortunately for Southampton, his final ball was poor this evening. 5

Maya Yoshida – He was one of the home side’s better players on the pitch, delivering an assured performance in the absence of Jose Fonte. The Japanese international has been at Southampton for a while and has been a reliable squad player. He missed a great chance late on to win the game for his side, but it would be unfair to place any blame on the centre back. 6

Virgil van Dijk – It was a typically impressive performance from Virgil van Dijk and you would have to expect that the Dutchman won’t be at the club for much longer. He can’t be blamed for the goal and gave his side a chance of going through with a late strike. 6

Ryan Bertrand – The left back was okay tonight and delivered a hard-working performance. He tried to help his side out in attack, but like Cedric, his final ball wasn’t at the level that he would have wanted. 5

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – The Dane didn’t have his best performance for Southampton and didn’t do well for the goal. The midfielder showed a lack of effort to get back on goal-side of the ball and that will have disappointed his manager. In possession, he failed to influence the game in the final third and was too selfish at times. 4

Oriol Romeu – Despite being one of Southampton’s best players this season, the midfielder made a costly error for the visitors’ goal. His misplaced pass was evidence that complacency had come into his game and he was punished for that. His overall performance was good, but that mistake is responsible for Southampton losing their place in the Europa League. 3

Steven Davis – It was a performance full of energy and was crucial to the side’s transition from defence to attack. He completed both of his attempted dribbles and looked good on the ball. However, like many of his team-mates, his final ball wasn’t at the level required. Southampton once again failed to score in a Europa League game and their attacking issues are why they have exited the competition. 5

Josh Sims – The youngster was one of the few bright spots of the match as he was positive in possession and showed glimpses of his ability. He was substituted early and was perhaps unlucky not to be given more of a chance. It was a bad night for Southampton, but in Sims, they have another very talented youngster. 6

Charlie Austin – The striker was lively before being forced off with injury. It was a huge blow for Southampton in the match as he is their most reliable goal threat and they will be hoping that he isn’t out for a long time. The supporters will be encouraged that he managed to leave the pitch without a stretcher. 6

Nathan Redmond – He has been exciting to watch this season, but a lack of consistency in his final product is preventing him from reaching the next level. He was trying to make things happen as shown by his seven successful dribbles. However, his decision making still shows a rawness to his game. That will improve in the coming months. 5

Shane Long – The striker ran tirelessly for his side and was causing problems for the defenders with his movement. However, he doesn’t strike fear into opponents and lacks a genuine goal threat. Southampton need better options in attack. 5

Dusan Tadic – The Serbian looked short of match fitness as evidenced by his lack of impact after coming on. It will be good to have him back as Southampton have been short of creativity in his absence. 5

James Ward-Prowse – He was given only a small amount of time to make an impact and he failed to do so, but it would be unfair to rate him. N/A

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How Southampton’s players rated in defeat against Hapoel Be’er Sheva