Why Southampton Are a Club on the Rise in the Premier League

Southampton have made a good start to the Premier League season under new manager Ronald Koeman. Last season’s performers have continued where they left off, new signings have bedded in quickly and positivity abounds on the South Coast.

All the signs suggest Southampton are a club on the rise again.

When former chairman Nicola Cortese left the club in January, many worried that the club may take a downward turn. Cortese, although unpopular with many, was an important figure in the club’s development from League One to the Premier League.

His resignation was followed by manager Mauricio Pochettino’s move to Tottenham and the loss of several first-team players.

However, fast-forward eight months and new chairman Ralph Krueger has restored confidence to the Saints. His appointment of respected Dutch legend Koeman as manager, careful recruitment of new players and strength to hold on to players have seen Southampton start the season brightly.

Koeman is an experienced, calm and ambitious manager, and that has been reflected by the way his team performs on the pitch. Tactically adept, he has built on the philosophy of the club to reach a happy medium in terms of playing style.

The Saints tend to play free-flowing attacking football without compromising solidity in defence.

The high-intensity pressing game that his predecessor Pochettino introduced has been toned down. Instead, Koeman encourages more considered pressure and quick breaks.

As well as his tactical awareness, Koeman shone in the transfer window. £92 million was available after the sales of Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren, Calum Chambers, Rickie Lambert to Premier League rivals.

This money has not been wasted.

It has been shrewdly invested in cheaper like-for-like replacements. Koeman used his knowledge of Dutch football to recruit Eredivisie's second-ranked goalscorer in 2013/14, Graziano Pelle, and its most creative player, Dušan Tadić.

These players have already impressed in the Premier League, with Pelle scoring three goals in four appearances and Tadić picking up two assists. With Lambert and Lallana currently struggling for game time and fitness at new club Liverpool, it seems as though Southampton have done excellent business.  

The additions of England goalkeeper Fraser Forster, Belgian centre-back Toby Alderweireld and left-back Ryan Bertrand have further strengthened the Saints squad.

The performances of some of last year’s best performers also offer hope to Saints fans.

Key players are in the form of their life.

In addition to finding his goalscoring form, fan favourite Jack Cork has looked assured in central midfield. The performances of right-back Nathaniel Clyne have some, such as Metro's Chris Rann, suggesting the possibility of an England call-up.

Midfield lynchpin Morgan Schneiderlin has also began the season superbly after the club rejected offers from Tottenham in the summer, as reported by BBC Sport. After four games, the Frenchman has already bettered his goal tally of last season.

The strength and depth of the Southampton squad are emphasised by the fact that last season’s top scorer, Jay Rodriguez, has not been missed.

The Saints are averaging two goals per game in the Premier League so far. Rodriquez is recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury and could be fit in a few months' time, which will undoubtedly help Southampton’s Premier League campaign.

Krueger believes that Southampton have more depth to their squad this season. "Last season we played from a starting XI and there was not much behind it. I feel we are (now) in a really strong position," he told BBC Sport.

Beyond a solid first team, the Saints’ much-vaunted academy is still producing talented players.

A constant stream of youngsters has historically been a strength of Southampton’s. A graduate list that includes Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gareth Bale and Luke Shaw is sure to instil confidence. The academy shows no signs of regression and continues to be a source of pride and optimism on the South Coast.

A new generation of players is emerging. Winger Lloyd Isgrove, left-back Matt Targett and midfielder Harrison Reed all have the potential to follow the success of James Ward-Prowse in breaking into the first team.

This group of players ensures that whilst the club develops in the public eye, there are also positives behind the scenes.

With a forward-thinking chairman, experienced manager, shrewd signings, in-form players and an excellent academy, Southampton look set for a top-half finish in the Premier League.