This is Southampton’s 2016/17 Christmas review

Player of the Season – Virgil van Dijk

Oriol Romeu has been excellent in the defensive midfield role this season, and Charlie Austin’s goals have helped the Saints ten-fold, but it’s difficult to look past Virgil van Dijk as their Player of the Season so far.

The Dutch international has been brilliant at the back for Puel’s side, and is a big part of the backline that has conceded just 15 times in the league this season.

The 25-year-old was particularly impressive against both Manchester City and Everton, keeping Sergio Aguero and Romelu Lukaku under wraps on both occasions, and he also produced a man-of-the-match display against Inter at St Mary’s last month.

Keeping him in January would arguably be the best piece of business Southampton could do.