TOP DOG The Saints may need to rely on Jan Bednarek once more if they want to avoid losing their defensive partner to injury.
The Polish international’s manager, Russell Martin, gave him the assignment to “take real responsibility” and use his expertise in a team lacking strong vocal players.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis, his center-back partner, arrived back to Staplewood early on Thursday after his international assignment in order to have evaluation for a possible hamstring injury.
The two have been isolating themselves from the play in front of them for less minutes, despite having reviewed important tapes in unit meetings over the last month in an effort to get better.
In Southampton’s previous three games, Bednarek, 27, has been a standout player, racking up seven points, keeping a clean sheet for the first time this year, and only giving up two goals.
In addition to guarding the box, Bednarek has pulled Flynn Downes and Charly Alcaraz from losing their cool on the field on a few different instances.
“Janny takes real responsibility, especially in the last few games after we have asked him to do that, to take more responsibility,” Martin stated in an interview with the Daily Echo. He has intervened.
“It’s all you want, for the player to be themselves in any moment. In, you get a piece taken out of you every year from the age of six.
“Coaches, parents or players – whoever it is, you lose a bit of yourself and the hardest thing is being authentic and getting back to being yourself.”
He continued, saying, “It has been one of our major issues at every club we have been at. You have to experience the terror in order to perform in this way, but you also have to accept it.
“Some players are able to overcome that, and those who do exhibit their finest selves. Jan is beginning to exhibit his finest self.
“He exhibits extreme professionalism. It wouldn’t be far from Jan if you could construct a center-half in terms of their abilities and physical appearance.
“I’m thrilled about the potential he has; his willingness to take on this task is beneficial to us.
“Jan, he truly cares; he’s been frustrated that we have given up so many goals.” He worries a lot. He can take charge and exercise leadership.
“He is prepared to view his video, learn, be vulnerable, and accept some things. He doesn’t need to do it under the coercion of an armband or any other silliness.
Additionally, it helps that you can enter and diffuse tensions when you’re that large. He is aware of the group’s personalities and which members require assistance in these circumstances.
Next week should provide more updates on Harwood-Bellis’s condition, but if they are verified, aA hamstring strain can keep him out of commission for a few days to six weeks.
“He continues to attend all meetings. He plays a major role, and I have no doubt that he will earn his chance and really assist us when he returns.
Shea Charles and Mason Holgate, who were both signed in the summer, would be seen as Martin’s next best bets to start.
In the event that Stephens and Harwood-Bellis stay out of the picture, Zach Awe, an Under-21s defender, will be hoping to make an impression on Martin during practice.
