Hasenhüttl evaluates attacking midfield options
Manager Ralph Hasenhüttl has described the two number 10 spots as the ‘hardest positions in the squad’ to earn, as Southampton prepare to head to Arsenal on Saturday.
The responsibility has been handed to Nathan Tella and Nathan Redmond for the last two matches, but seven players have been used in the position in the Premier League so far this season.
Discussing the options at his disposal, the Saints boss said: “We have a lot of duels in the 10 position.
“We have five players there. Nathan Tella did a good job in the last games, Moi Elyounoussi is there, even Stu Armstrong is in the moment not part of the squad, so we have a lot of opportunities in this position.
“It’s maybe the hardest position in the squad to find a way into the first 11, so it’s not easy.”
One thing that would aid Hasenhüttl’s selection process is the discovery of goal scoring form, with only Elyounoussi managing a Premier League goal so far this season from attacking midfield.
“I want to see more goals from the 10 position, this is what we miss a little bit this season.
“Reddy [Nathan Redmond] has good assists in the last games but we must score from this position. We miss these goals a little bit.
“Stuey [Armstrong] last year was the guy who scored most from this position, so it is how it is, we have to bring him back fit and hopefully he’s coming back soon.”
With Armstrong a known absentee from all but four Premier League games so far in 2021/22 due to an ongoing calf problem, Hasenhüttl also offered an explanation for Moussa Djenepo’s recent lack of involvement.
“Moussa had at first a private problem, so that was the reason why we took him out and then he after this, it’s not really a big issue, but to find the rhythm back on the pitch took a little bit [of time].
“At the moment he is training with the team but didn’t have the chance to play.”
