Is Nathan Redmond set for success at Southampton?

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Despite not having a manager in place at St Mary’s, Southampton have already made their first signing of the summer. A few days ago, Nathan Redmond signed a five-year deal with the club, with his signature costing a reported £11 million.

Whilst the winger may not be a guaranteed starter at the moment, at 22 years of age, he still has many playing years ahead of him. The Saints will have extra games next season due to their qualification for the Europa League and someone with Redmond’s energy could be key for keeping the squad fresh and motivated throughout the campaign. This would then hopefully avoid their season tailing off towards the end, instead hoping for it to reach a crescendo.

Here, we take a look at what the young Englishman will bring to Southampton, and what the new manager and fans can look forward to.

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One thing that Southampton have lacked in recent seasons is someone with pace who enjoys playing on the wing.

Sadio Mane has been primarily deployed down the middle or as a forward over the last couple of years at St. Mary’s, and of course has now joined Liverpool. It was Redmond’s acquisition which prompted many to think that the Mane deal was set to go ahead, with the former Norwich man cast as the Senegalese’s replacement – a tall order to follow.

Redmond is someone who will run at defenders at speed, which he has done so effectively for both Norwich and the England U21 side. He has exhibited the ability to go down the wing and produce dangerous crosses, or indeed cut in and shoot from distance.

Dusan Tadic was originally used as a number 10 for Southampton, but the Serbian is able to deliver dangerous crosses and now; like Redmond, is frequently used as a winger. Tadic makes up for a lack of great pace with other aspects of his game, but Redmond’s speed across the ground will surely complement the trickery of Tadic.

Both Redmond and Tadic can be utilised on either flank, and their versatility will be a huge boost for The Saints. Tadic’s favoured foot is his left, whilst Redmond’s is the opposite, and this will provide a great balance on the wings.

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Thankfully for Redmond, the South Coast outfit have adopted a free-flowing attacking style that is sure to suit the former Norwich flyer.

Former OGC Nice manager Claude Puel is set to be announced as the new manager at St Mary’s, and the Frenchman reaped the rewards of playing attacking football last season, leading the club to 4th in Ligue 1. This is an encouraging sign for Saints supporters, and furthermore, it will be very exciting to see Redmond use his pace both to hurt weaker teams and to catch the stronger teams on the break.

Puel deserves great credit for reigniting Hatem Ben Arfa’s career after the French maverick moved to the club following his release from Hull City, and Redmond should be hoping that the new manager can instill similar confidence in him.

Redmond could very well benefit from a new manager coming in, because a strong pre-season may well put him firmly in place to start the opening game of the campaign at home to Watford.

Aside from what the former Birmingham City winger offers on the pitch, he is already familiar with several of Southampton’s young players, which can only help in the bedding-in process. Redmond was joined in the England squad at this summer’s U21 tournament success in Toulon by Saints trio James Ward-Prowse, Matt Targett and Jack Stephens.

The three Saints youngsters will be expected to integrate Redmond into the squad and make him feel welcome in the squad, which can only be a positive for all involved.

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Although Redmond is a positive addition to the squad at Southampton, the 22-year-old winger isn’t exactly a regular starter at the moment.

With Sadio Mane having recently departed for Liverpool, Victor Wanyama to Spurs, and uncertainty surrounding Graziano Pelle’s future, there is sure to be plenty of funds for the new manager.

Nathan Redmond is young, quick and at £11 million, is a fantastic signing, but someone with more consistency is required to fill Mane’s position at the moment.

If Redmond can develop his game at Southampton and put maximum effort in each time he earns the opportunity to play, the fans on the south coast will support him. In doing so, he is sure to grow into a very exciting English player.

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