After staying up in the Premier League for a tenth consecutive season, Southampton will look to improve on a disappointing end to their campaign.
The Saints have had a running theme of starting seasons well, but seemingly running out of steam towards the latter parts of the season.
Strength in depth and a younger squad should help the Saints keep momentum throughout the entire season, preventing burnout.
Southamptons recent transfer strategy has been interesting, and it could help them stay ahead of the curve before other teams catch on.
In recent seasons, the Saints have targeted youth academy players from the top six clubs.
They sign players who have received high-quality coaching but lack the game time to prove their worth.
The big six in the Premier League—Chelsea, Spurs, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Manchester City—stockpile youth players in their academies in the hope that one of the larger group of players will turn out to be world-class, increasing the chance of their youngsters being successful.
Having a large number of players means that some players dont get the game time they deserve and look to leave the club in search of first-team football.
These players arrive at cheaper prices due to their unknown quality and how that may translate to Premier League football.
Kyle Walker-Peters, Tino Livramento, Gavin Bazunu, and Armando Broja are just some of the names that fit the description. The three who played for them, excluding Bazunu, have all displayed their quality, proving that if you are good enough, you are old enough.
Next in line is Romeo Lavia.
The 18-year-old Belgian defensive midfielder joins the club for £12 million, with Man City having the option to buy him back for £40 million.
After the purchase of Kalvin Phillips, with Rodri already blocking his path to first-team football, Lavias only option was to leave the club if he wanted regular first-team football, which he should receive at Southampton if he can prove himself to the boss, Ralph Hasenhuttl.
In this scout report, a tactical analysis of Romeo Lavias style of play, strengths, and weaknesses will be examined to evaluate whether the transfer was worth the fee and to assess the players potential.
Furthermore, Southamptons tactics will be reviewed, and an analysis will detail how Lavia will fit in at his new club.
Roméo Lavia Style Of Play
Romeo Lavia spent the last season playing for Manchester Citys under 23s in the Premier League 2.
Manchester City won the league, finishing six points ahead of 2nd placed West Ham.
In that winning run, Lavia played a key role as the lone 6, starting 20 of the 26 games.
Lavia also played a couple of games for the first team in the Carabao cup.
The heat map below highlights the positions he enjoys to play in.
Lavia is a holding midfielder who excels in his ability to retain the ball in the build-up phase and play progressive passes to more creative players in the final third.
Lavia is a tenacious ball winner and ball carrier.
The map above shows his willingness to be on
