THE FORMATION
GOALKEEPERS
Timo Horn
Age: 21
Nationality: German
Timo Horn joined Southampton this offseason in a 3.8m move from 2. Bundesliga side Koln. He is expected to take over from last year’s starter Arthur Boruc. Horn is known as a great distributor of the ball which should be valuable in Caleb Porters short passing style of play.
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Artur Boruc
Age: 34
Nationality: Polish
Artur Boruc will provide experience as a backup this coming season. He is often erratic, but is a solid insurance policy should injuries come into play this coming season.
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CENTER BACKS
Dejan Lovren
Age: 25
Nationality: Croatian
Lovren is a strong, skillful center back who will line up on the right side of defense this season. Known for his aerial prowess and leadership, Lovren is a major part of the squad and will serve as Vice-Captain in 2014/15.
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Stefano Denswil
Age: 21
Nationality: Dutch
Denswil is a skillful left footed center back that oozes potential and class. He will likely start the year playing to the left of Dejan Lovren in the center of the Saints' defense.
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Stefan De Vrij
Age: 22
Nationality: Dutch
Stefan de Vrij is a versatile defender who was signed in the summer of 2013. He can operate centrally or as a right back and should get plenty of play as he rotates into the defense during the season.
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LEFT BACKS
Luke Shaw
Age: 19
Nationality: English
Shaw is arguably the biggest defensive prospect in England. He will be given full license to bomb down the left flank in Porter’s 4-3-3 system and should have a breakout campaign as a result.
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Layvin Kurzawa
Age: 21
Nationality: French
Young Frenchman Layvin Kurzawa joins the club on loan from Monaco. He is an attack-minded fullback who will be expected to add a lot going forward when given an opportunity this season.
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RIGHT BACKS
Nathaniel Clyne
Age: 23
Nationality: English
Clyne is a steady and quick fullback with terrific attacking qualities. He is rumored to be on the brink of his full international debut. A strong start to the season could solidify his place in the England setup.
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Calum Chambers
Age: 19
Nationality: English
Calum is a young, exciting prospect with loads of potential. Steady defensively and improving his attacking abilities he'll have plenty of chances to shine this coming season.
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MIDFIELDERS
James Ward-Prowse
Age: 19
Nationality: English
Ward-Prowse will operate as both and advanced and a deep lying playmaker this season. His vision and creativity and class on the ball is shocking given his age and relative inexperience. He’ll be relied upon hugely this season.
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Ross Barkley
Age: 20
Nationality: English
The club’s record signing will be asked to play the role of an advanced playmaker, surging into and supporting attacks while keeping the team ticking in midfield. Barkley is a player with limitless potential and will sure to be one to watch this upcoming season.
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Andrea Bertolacci
Age: 24
Nationality: Italian
Bertolacci is a workhorse of a player with limitless energy. He also has plenty of technical skills and will be deployed as a box-to-box midfielder to take advantage of his well-rounded abilities.
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Johannes Geis
Age: 20
Nationality: German
The young German midfielder will be somewhat of a utility man this season as he can slot into any of the three midfield positions. Gifted on the ball and a hard worker, Geis will get plenty of opportunities to impress.
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Guido Pizarro
Age: 24
Nationality: Argentinian
Pizarro is a true deep lying playmaker and will be asked to dictate tempo and keep the ball moving from deep in the Saints' midfield.
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WINGERS
Remy Cabella
Age: 24
Nationality: French
Cabella is a tricky and quick attacking player who will mostly be deployed out wide. His creativity and ability to pick a corner should lead to plenty of goals and chances created.
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Adam Lallana
Age: 26
Nationality: English
The club captain returns after much unrest this offseason. Lallana will be deployed out wide and asked to chip in with goals as part of a fluid three man forward line.
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Dorin Rotariu
Age: 19
Nationality: Romanian
All signs point to the young Romanian import getting immediate game time despite his age and inexperience. One of the more exciting attacking prospects around, he is one to watch next season.
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Jonas Hofmann
Age: 22
Nationality: German
Hofmann joins the club on loan for next season and should see plenty of chances to step in off the bench and during cup matches this season.
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STRIKERS
Gabriel Iancu
Age: 20
Nationality: Romanian
Iancu has traditionally played as an attacking midfielder but will be deployed as a false nine in Caleb Porter’s 4-3-3 formation. A real player to watch as he progresses in the new role this season.
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Rickie Lambert
Age: 32
Nationality: English
The experienced English striker will provide a ‘Plan B’ for the Saints this season. Big, strong, and good in the air, Lambert will be a real threat off the bench.
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Carlos Fierro
Age: 20
Nationality: Mexican
Fierro is expected to be eased into the squad as he adjusts to the power and speed of the English game. He can operate as a striker or out wide in the 4-3-3 so he will likely get time in cup games and as a change-of-pace attacker from the bench.
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