Manager hints at handing emerging defender a start in Liverpool clash v Southampton
By Harvey Byrne
Southampton manager Claude Puel has hinted that emerging ace Jack Stephens could start in Wednesday’s clash against Liverpool.
The south coast side are preparing to face the Reds at Anfield for the second leg of the EFL Cup semi-finals.
Southampton hold a one goal advantage due to a Nathan Redmond strike, but they were struck a huge blow on Sunday after star defender Virgil van Dijk left the pitch early with an injury following a late tackle from Leicester’s Jamie Vardy.
The Saints are currently short in the central defensive area after also selling Jose Fonte to West Ham, meaning that an opportunity could fall to 22-year-old Stephens.
“If he (Stephens) has to play this game, I think he will play with good spirit and he’s a good player,” told Puel in his pre-match press conference, as quoted by the Sky Sports website.
“He is an England Under-21 international and he knows about these important games. He has the quality and I have full confidence with Jack. He’s a good defender, he’s intelligent, he can anticipate the action. [He is] very good technically.
“With the Under-21s, you saw at home [against Italy at St Mary’s], it was a good game, he was the best player on the entire pitch.
“Since the beginning, it is a competition we have played with young players. For example, the last round against Arsenal away, we see the young players get a fantastic result.
“The focus was just on their game and this is just as important. They took confidence; they are upbeat in every training session. I think it is not a problem, but for Jack and all of the other players, it’s just to think about the game, stay strong together.”