This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
As Southampton’s players slowly departed the Etihad turf following a 2-1 defeat in November 2017, aside from the congratulatory and conciliatory handshakes that were a typical sight at the conclusion of a game, one exchange stood out in particular.
Pep Guardiola, animated beyond his usual stature, engaged in conversation with Nathan Redmond and seemingly looked frustrated as he shouted at the Saints forward with his hand covering his mouth. Redmond replied in a remarkably calm manner, and even felt it necessary to issue a statement following the game to dispel any rumours that the Spanish boss had been agitated or angry at him as a result of the game.
It was quite the opposite in fact, as confirmed by Redmond himself, per The Guardian: “he was only very complimentary and positive to me.”
Guardiola’s comments during that game in November were not merely a standard observation: his passionate discussion with Redmond pointed to a manager who believed that the 25-year-old was being under-utilised in the system that was deployed at the Etihad.
Yet whilst Guardiola’s remarks referred to Redmond’s performance in one specific game, the Spaniard’s comments point to a wider picture regarding the England international’s potential – a sense of raw ability that may require a transfer to be fully realised and utilised elsewhere.
Since arriving at St Mary’s in 2016, Redmond has become one of the Saints’ most important attacking players, but his club’s regression following the departure of Mauricio Pochettino has led to the diminishing of an attacking philosophy that was once a recognisable identity on the south coast.
Although current boss Hasenhüttl is attempting to rebuild and reinstate that attacking ethos, to a varying degree of success, at the age of 25 Redmond arguably has one, possibly two, significant career moves left. Having been capped by England, he is a player that belongs at the highest level, with his continuous improvement through spells at Birmingham City, Norwich City and now Southampton attesting to his potential.
The forward won both the fans’ and players’ player of the year awards at the end of the 2018/19 campaign, highlighting how his contribution has been recognised by both his fellow teammates and the Saints’ supporters.
With his side sitting 17th in the Premier League table, the 2019/20 campaign could potentially mark yet another campaign of attempting to stave off relegation for the south coast side, and the comments that Guardiola made during that defeat at the Etihad could be set to ring true once more.
Redmond is a player with huge potential, and despite Hasenhuttl’s best efforts to transform Southampton into an attacking side reminiscent of the Ronald Koeman and Pochettino eras, it would appear he is currently falling short.
A price that may be consequently paid is the departure of the supremely talented Redmond to a new challenge, whether it be in England or further afield.
