The Heartbeat of Southampton

So where was the change that helped this remarkable change of fortune made? Was it a change in style or even a change to a more defensive formation?

Or could it simply be that two players were brought into the team for their Premier League debuts for Southampton?

A lot has been written about the difference that Jack Cork has made to our defensive solidity. Jack returned to first team action for the first time since picking up an injury in the summer.

He had been missed, but not many people realized by how much. He is the archetypal quiet man who goes unnoticed game after game yet has a major impact on our team.

But I believe that there is another reason and one that is a surprise to us all. Swansea also saw the introduction to the Premier League of left back Luke Shaw.

17 year old Luke became the youngest ever player to make his debut for Saints in the Premier League. For one so young he has quickly become a firm fans favourite.

At first his task was simply to help tighten up the defence. This he has done and done well. With each game that passes though Luke has become much more than just a solid defender and has shown that he can open up opponents defenses with surging runs forward at pace.

So while Jack will receive most of the plaudits for strengthening our side, I firmly believe that in Luke we have someone who has had as significant a part if not more in improving the team.

It is still early days for our young star, but after buying three players to fill one of our weak spots, we now have a home grown talent that is making the position his own.



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