“Never fall in love with a loan player.” That’s the expression right? Three of the four loanees this season could be associated with this statement however one in particular is quickly emerging as a fan’s favourite.
Admittedly a fairly ambiguous opening stanza for an article with a name drop in the title but it does have to be said that THB & Downes in their own way are making a mark at Southampton - both staples of the XI - unsurprising Saints’ form improving had coincided with improved performances from these two. The man of the moment though is Ryan Fraser. The ‘wee man’ with a point to prove.
*For those keeping score, Holgate is the fourth loanee who probably won’t get a mention in this article.
Not too harsh to say the announcement of Fraser wasn’t the most inspiring transfer of the summer but it’s proving to be a crucial addition. In the last four games the Scot has 2 goals and 2 ‘goal involvements.’ I use inverted commas for goal involvements as neither of these would be considered proper assists. His corner led to the own goal away to Preston and his cross was headed down by Samuel Edozie before Adam Armstrong swept home against Birmingham City. A pre-assist if you will.
All of these coming on as a substitute. Southampton’s super sub!
These involvements have helped Saints go unbeaten in 7 games and up to 4th in the Championship. The latest goal at Millwall clinching three points on a weekend Leicester and Ipswich dropped points reducing the gap slightly. A point at The Den wouldn’t have been a bad result but with Leicester losing to 3rd place Leeds while Ipswich only manage a draw at Birmingham City. A win is massive, as has been Fraser’s contribution.
Furthermore it appears Fraser actively wants to be here. His comments and conduct post match sound more passionate than a generic media trained template response. Speaking to the club’s media; “Massive thank you for the support you’ve given today and throughout the season so far. That one was for you today, and hopefully everyone gets home safe and we can give you another win at home to West Brom next week.”
Moreover Fraser firmly basked in the glory at Millwall, running over to the away support after the final whistle with Edozie performing Cristiano Ronaldo’s trademark “Siu” celebration. He would later run back towards the remaining Saints support to bust out Russell Martin’s trademark triple fist pump.
There is the caveat that his Newcastle days are done and he seemingly needs to find a new club but his commitment thus far cannot be ignored. In the left wing position he is behind Kamaldeen Sulemana for a starting birth, when though he does enter the fray he offers a unique blend of stability and impetuous. The overall structure & cohesion isn’t affected and the attacking element remains. A double edged sword of a substitution.
It would appear RM is keen on his fellow Scot extending his south coast stay; “We want good players and we want good characters - Ryan definitely fits into that.”Therefore it doesn’t count as falling in love with a loan player if they go on to become permanent. It’s worked out well with regards to KWP after his initial loan spell to Southampton maybe Fraser will be a similar situation.
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