Claude Puel took over from Ronald Koeman as Southampton manager in the summer, and he’s made a decent start in his first job in English football.

The Frenchman has overseen just two Premier League defeats so far – to Manchester United and Arsenal – and, although they didn’t win one of their first four games, the Saints have won two of their last three matches.

Their tally of nine points sees them tenth in the Premier League table and, alongside an unbeaten start to their first ever European group stage foray, it’s been a solid start to Puel’s reign at St Mary’s.

They currently find themselves a point and three places higher than Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth, who are looking to build upon last season’s excellent 16th place finish in the top-flight, which was their first ever in the top tier.

However, there are a number of Southampton players that would get into the Bournemouth side and move them further up the table. Here are THREE that would do just that…

Jose Fonte

Southampton’s Jose Fonte has become one of the most solid and dependable centre-backs in the Premier League since winning promotion with the Saints in 2012.

The Portugal international missed just one Premier League game last season for then-manager Koeman’s side, and has struck up an excellent partnership with Virgil van Dijk at the heart of Puel’s defence.

It’s no surprise that Southampton haven’t conceded in their last six games in all competitions, dating back to their late defeat at Arsenal, with Fonte having played in four of those matches.

His unquestionable ability, alongside his Premier League experience, would certainly help a Bournemouth side that conceded 67 goals last season.

Fraser Forster

Southampton’s defence is one of the strongest in the division, and it’s helped by having the hugely talented Fraser Forster between the sticks.

The England international kept six clean sheets in 18 Premier League games last season, and has started this campaign in similar fashion, being a part of the Saints team that have kept six clean sheets in a row.

He’s knocking on the door to replace Joe Hart as England’s number one goalkeeper, and he would get into the Bournemouth side ahead of former Saints keeper Artur Boruc, who is prone to one too many mistakes.

Dusan Tadic

Dusan Tadic has provided Southampton with a spark since arriving from FC Twente two years ago.

Only two players created more goals than the Serbian international last season (Mesut Ozil and Christian Eriksen), with his 12 assists alongside his eight goals crucial in helping the Saints to a sixth place finish in the league.

Although creativity is not something Bournemouth lack, Tadic would provide them with even more in the attacking third of the pitch and, with a striker like Callum Wilson to aim for, 27-year-old Tadic would definitely add to his growing number of Premier League assists.