Why Jannik Vestergaard could be a key player for Southampton this season

Southampton shared the spoils with Burnley, as both sides played out a 0-0 draw at St. Mary’s Stadium last weekend. The Saints’ defence looked confident and organized throughout the game.

Mark Hughes made a few additions to strengthen the back line in the transfer window and one such arrival was Jannik Vestergaard from Borussia Monchengladbach. The Danish international joined the Saints for a fee of £18million, joining on a four-year deal (h/t Skysports). And the player worked tirelessly against the Clarets as the new Premier League season got underway.

Vestergaard is an immensely talented centre-back. The 26-year-old was deployed in the middle of a three-man backline alongside Wesley Hoedt and Jack Stephens. Vestergaard proved to be a rock at the back, picking up almost every loose ball and looking determined to push the team forward.

A committed and reliable defender, Vestergaard was also involved in a clash of heads with Sam Vokes. The centre-back is aerially proficient and made a number of headed clearances across the two halves, asserting his dominance in the air. The defender also proved to be a massive threat from set-pieces.

During his effortless display for Southampton, Vestergaard also displayed his willingness to go the extra mile for the team. He is quite calm and composed on the ball and interestingly, he made the third-most number of passes (1913) in the Bundesliga last season, behind Mats Hummels (2005) and Kevin Vogt (2046). (Squawka)

His reading of the game is brilliant and his positional play is even better, making it quite easy for the defence to maintain their solidity at the back. Vestergaard is certainly not the paciest of defenders but he is a hard man to beat. Also, the powerful centre-back never shies away from a challenge.

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Southampton must aim for their first win against a confident and cohesive Everton side this weekend, and Vestergaard will certainly play a major role. The defender has shown glimpses of his quality from the get-go and will surely prove to be a key player in the squad this season.