Hit or miss: 10 stars that left Southampton for other Premier League sides
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Stars that left Southampton for other Premier League sides
Since earning promotion to the Premier League in 2012, Southampton have been one of the division’s success stories, although their accomplishments have come at a price.
Almost every season since their return to the top flight the big clubs have come knocking for their talent, none more so than Liverpool who have plucked five players from the south coast.
The two sides face off at St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday, November 19th, with the Saints backed at 5/2 with Coral to claim a victory, while the table-topping Reds are 21/20 to leave with all three points.
Former Southampton players could come back to haunt their former team, as we discuss below not all of the past Saints have gone on to thrive in pastures new.
Adam Lallana – HIT
Lallana is just beginning to become an essential part of the set-up at Liverpool and with England, having been on the periphery of having key status. The 28-year-old is entering the prime of his career and beginning to become a standout player under Jurgen Klopp in the heart of midfield.
He has scored in his last three internationals for the Three Lions, highlighting his improvement in front of goal, although an injury sustained on England duty could rule him out of action on Saturday.
Dejan Lovren – HIT
Lovren was signed for £6m from Lyon by the Saints, but was then on the move again after just one season on the south coast to join Liverpool.
He has been with the Reds three seasons now and at time has proven to be solid defender, but he does have the propensity to make a clanger every now and then. However, given the fact he remains in the starting line-up he has to be considered a hit.
Nathaniel Clyne – HIT
Clyne was tipped for the top in his days as a youngster with Crystal Palace and since his move to Liverpool last year he has taken his game to the next level.
The 25-year-old appears to be enjoying the Reds’ attacking style of play under Klopp, allowing him to press forward down the right flank, while he has also been a reliable defender at Anfield.
Rickie Lambert – MISS
After five successful seasons with the Saints and 28 Premier League goals in two years, Lambert got his dream move to Liverpool for a fee of £4m.
However, he failed to replicate his form on Merseyside as he lasted just one term at the club, scoring just three goals in his 36 appearances before moving on to West Bromwich Albion.
Victor Wanyama – HIT
Wanyama was signed by the Saints when Mauricio Pochettino was in charge, so it was no surprise to see him come calling to join Tottenham.
The Kenyan has been a regular for Spurs this term playing in the role in front of the back four, and has become an important individual in their defensive success as he was at St Mary’s under the Argentine.
Calum Chambers – MISS
Chambers became a starter for the Saints in the 2013/14 season and played just 25 games before Arsenal swooped in with a £16m move. The defender was eyed as a long-term solution for the Gunners in their backline, but struggled immensely in his first two campaigns with the club.
His horrific performance against Liverpool on the opening day resulted in him being dropped for Rob Holding. He was then shipped out on loan to Middlesbrough, where he has made a steady start.
Morgan Schneiderlin – MISS
Schneiderlin rose through the leagues with the Saints, starring in their promotions from League One and the Championship before becoming a quality starter in the midfield in the Premier League.
His performances caught the attention of the big clubs in the division, and Southampton’s attempts to keep him were ended when he moved to Manchester United for £24m.
However, he struggled to make his mark in his first season at Old Trafford, and has been outcast by Jose Mourinho, prompting suggestions that he will leave the club in January.
Sadio Mane – HIT
Back we go to Liverpool and Mane has simply been a revelation since he moved to Anfield in the summer, going some way to justifying his £36m fee.
The Senegalese scored 21 Premier League goals in his two seasons with the Saints, and has already notched six with the Reds in his opening 10 appearances. Mane’s performances could hinge on whether Klopp’s men can end their title drought, which they are currently backed at 12/5 to win.
Luke Shaw – MISS
Shaw has not had the best of luck since leaving St Mary’s for £30m to join Manchester United, suffering a broken leg last year that ruled him out of the season and the World Cup.
This term he has fallen foul of Mourinho, who has dropped the England man and criticised his perceived fitness problems. The fallout could prompt his departure from Old Trafford, joining Schneiderlin in a former Saints exodus.
Theo Walcott – HIT
Proving that Southampton have long been a farm team for the top sides in the country, Walcott’s £12m move to Arsenal in 2006 was meant to kickstart a path to him becoming one of the world’s top players.
Although it has not worked out that way, the 27-year-old remains an important player for the Gunners and has had a good start to the current campaign as they aim to end their title drought. Walcott is definitely worth the fee that Arsene Wenger’s men paid for the forward.
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