Claude Puel must improve these 3 things at Southampton in January

Midfield strength

With the way Southampton play, very much on the front foot and dominating possession, the amount of games is going to take its toll on the midfield players.

Oriol Romeu came to the club last year and has made a big difference in the centre of midfield, and this summer’s signing Pierre-Emile Hojberg has also done well.

But they are not going to be able to keep playing at a high level all season, and the departure of Victor Wanyama to Tottenham hardly helps. They will have tricky spells, and that’s where Puel needs the strength in depth to keep Southampton competitive on all fronts.

They’ve reportedly joined the race for defensive midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko in recent weeks, so Puel clearly realises that it’s an area that needs some reinforcing for the rest of the season.