2 players Southampton must start in every game to save their season

Oriol Romeu

Southampton have struggled defensively in recent weeks, and with Jose Fonte having left the club and Virgil van Dijk out injured for a few months, it’s imperative that Oriol Romeu continues his fine form in front of the back four.

The Spaniard left Chelsea in 2015 to join the Saints on a three-year-deal, and has since been a regular feature in the side such is his ability to control proceedings in the midfield, and provide the Saints backline with a solid and dependable option in front of them.

His defensive abilities are excellent, and with Puel now without his first choice centre-back pairing, Romeu’s role in the midfield will become even more vital as the season progresses.