This is Southampton’s dream January defence including this key target

Claude Puel’s Southampton got back to winning ways on Sunday courtesy of a 1-0 win over Everton, managed by former Saints boss Ronald Koeman.

The Toffees manager left St Mary’s for Goodison Park in the summer, and was replaced on the South Coast by Frenchman Puel, who managed Nice prior to moving to Southampton.

And, despite a sluggish start which saw him win none of his first four Premier League games, Puel will be pretty satisfied with how things have gone in his first three months in charge.

Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

The Saints are tenth in the league table having won four and drawn five of their opening 13 matches, with their success over Everton on Sunday their first top-flight victory since October 16.

Once again, Southampton have proved tough to beat this season, and their tally of 12 goals against is the third best in the league behind leaders Chelsea and third place Manchester City.

Also, Puel’s men have performed well in the Europa League this season, their first taste of European competition in 12 years, and look set to make the knockout stages should they beat Hapoel Be’er Sheva in their final group game at St Mary’s on December 8.

With January fast approaching, speculation is increasing about who Puel could look to sign in the transfer window in a bid to keep his team competitive on all fronts come the New Year.

One area he may have to look at is his defence, so here is the dream Saints defence, including one key January target…