With just 14 fixtures of the Premier League season left to play, Southampton have done well to find themselves in the top half of the table. Ralph Hasenhüttl's side have accumulated an impressive 31 points, and sit in 9th position, one point and place above Arsenal.
The Saints look to have finally found the level of consistency that had evaded them earlier in the season. After their 9-0 home thrashing at the hands of Leicester City, Southampton have beaten the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham, and gained revenge in a 2-1 away victory over Leicester.
A lot can change in the last few months of the Premier League season, but there are certain players who have made such a drastic impact on the side's fortunes.
#SaintsFC make it four consecutive away wins in the #PL!
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) January 21, 2020
Our report from Selhurst Park: https://t.co/HGNwQxS2dn
Here, 90min discuss who the candidates are for Southampton's 2019/20 Player of the Year.
James Ward-Prowse
The 25-year-old has played the full 90 minutes in each of Southampton's 24 fixtures as he continues to play a crucial role in the centre of their midfield.
Ward-Prowse has also been charged with set-piece duties, and has racked up four goals and two assists in the league thus far, including a free-kick against Watford, a penalty against Bournemouth, and further strikes away at Manchester City, and Arsenal.
He is closing in on his 300th first-team appearance for the club he has been at his entire life, and his importance to the Saints remains monumental.
Jack Stephens
Centre-back Jack Stephens has also played some excellent football this season. Of late, he has played a significant role in Southampton's improved defensive form. In the last six Premier League games, he has helped his side keep three clean sheets.
The 26-year-old has also contributed in an attacking sense. Not only has he scored twice, but he has also laid on three assists for his team-mates, his latest coming in the 2-0 away victory at Selhurst Park.
Happy birthday to Jack Stephens and Harrison Reed! #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/l23yup3enp
— Saints1885.com (@Saints1885_com) January 27, 2020
Hasenhüttl's men have become a difficult side to beat, and Stephen's ever-presence in the centre of their defence has played a significant role in his side's improvement.
Nathan Redmond
The winger has been a regular fixture in Southampton's starting XI throughout the season so far. In their latest victory over Crystal Palace, the 25-year-old both scored, and assisted, taking his season tally to four goals, and two assists.
Redmond remains a crucial cog in his Southampton side, yet his attacking output has work to do, as he has the attributes going forward to contribute directly towards more goals and assists.
FULL-TIME Crystal Palace 0-2 Southampton
— Premier League (@premierleague) January 21, 2020
A tale of two super strikes as Nathan Redmond and Stuart Armstrong seal the win for Saints#CRYSOU pic.twitter.com/VsAsl0dChc
The goals he has scored this season have been of an astoundingly high quality. How Southampton fans will crave for a slightly improved consistency in front of goal.
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg
As Southampton's club captain, the 24-year-old has played the full 90 minutes on all but two occasions. Alongside Ward-Prowse, Højbjerg plays with an impressive level of consistency in midfield.
Perhaps not the most stand-out option for Southampton's Player of the Season award, but the reliable work the club captain does certainly goes unnoticed.
Danny Ings
The former Liverpool man's form has been nothing short of remarkable. In 24 games so far, Ings has netted a sensational return of 14 goals. He is joint-third top scorer, sitting level with Manchester United's Marcus Rashford, and Arsenal Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
He has 16 goals in all competitions, scoring at a rate of every 110 minutes. His significance to Southampton is unparalleled, contributing to 48% of theirPremier League goals. He netted the winner against Spurs, and Leicester.
Given his impressive form, and with Harry Kane out injured, it's expected that Ings will receive an England call-up in the near-future. He has just one cap to his name.
Even with 14 games to go, Ings is almost certain to be crowned the Saints' Player of the Season.
Source : 90min