Southampton Opinion: Why the Saints must make a move for Ondrej Duda?
Back in 2015, a report from Legia.Sport claimed Southampton were interested in signing Slovakian playmaker Ondrej Duda, who was then plying his trade for Legia Warsaw. However, a deal didn’t materialise and Duda went on to join Hertha Berlin a year later.
The Slovakian international, 24, is one of the best playmakers in the Bundesliga right now. He enjoyed a stellar 2018/19 campaign with Hertha, bagging 11 goals and seven assists in 35 appearances across all competitions.
Keeping that in mind, the time is right for Southampton to rekindle their interest and sign Duda from Hertha this summer.
Southampton have a busy summer ahead of them to sort their squad in time for the 2019/20 season. Incomings and outgoings are expected as Ralph Hasenhuttl gets a chance to shape his side for an exciting Premier League campaign.
The Saints may have narrowly avoided relegation this past season, but there is a sense that the club are back on track after a couple of disappointing managerial appointments. Hasenhuttl has already made a strong impression at St. Mary’s and will be aiming for a top-half finish next term. And for that to happen, the Austrian manager should bring in quality players.
Southampton desperately need more exciting forwards to add life and spark to their toothless attack that struggled for goals last season. Nathan Redmond and James Ward-Prowse were the rare bright sparks for the Saints, while Shane Long looked lively in the last couple of months of the season under Hasenhuttl.
Ondrej Duda has enjoyed a solid season with Hertha which should be enough for Southampton to be convinced to launch a big-money bid. The Slovak is an attacking midfielder by trade and featured in the no.10 role throughout the 2018/19 campaign, although he can also play in central midfield and on the right.
The 24-year-old is excellent on the ball, known for his ability to pick the right pass in the final third. He is creative and his decent turn of pace coupled with dribbling skills could be ideal for the high-pressing football Hasenhuttl wants to employ at St. Mary’s. Duda is a smart operator of the ball, someone who reads the game very well and has the knack of getting inside the box and scoring goals.
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Plus, the Slovakian international is also an expert set-piece taker. Duda could potentially form a dangerous and creative attacking trio with the likes of Redmond and Ward-Prowse, whilst providing Southampton’s attack the cutting edge they sorely lacked throughout the 2018/19.
Verdict
All in all, Southampton must make a statement with Duda’s signing. The 24-year-old has slowly started to show his true colours in the Bundesliga, and the Saints will mightily benefit for years to come if they manage to lure him away to the St. Mary’s.
