Jan Bednarek has stepped out of the shadow to become key for Southampton

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Ralph Hasenhuttl has made some noticeable changes at Southampton since his appointment as manager in December, but one of the best impacts he’s had is on defender Jan Bednarek.

The 22-year-old had featured just twice in the Premier League this season before Hasenhuttl’s arrival at St Mary’s, but has now played every minute in the league under him.

He’s now proving to be a key player as part of a back three for the Saints and is getting better every game.

The colossus centre-back is strong in the air, quick, and is decent with the ball at his feet to make him ideal for the manager in a three-man defence.

Bednarek joined Southampton for £5million (Daily Echo) back in 2017 and has had to be patient to make his senior impact.

But the Poland international is now becoming an integral first-team player and Hasenhuttl deserve immense credit from helping him go from zero to hero in such a short space of time.

Bednarek was not deemed good enough by former manager Mark Hughes to be a regular, but with his rate of improvement there is no reason why he can’t be the club’s next star defender.

He has managed to get supporters on his side over the past month and now looks indispensable.