Southampton: £16m star could now become 'massive player' at St Mary's | OneFootball

Southampton defender Jan Bednarek could be a ‘massive player’ if he can ‘turn a corner and focus’, journalist Dean Jones has suggested to GiveMeSport.

The Saints are fighting to retain their Premier League status this season and have reintroduced the 26-year-old to the starting lineup in recent weeks as they look to improve performances.

Southampton news – Jan Bednarek

Bednarek initially arrived at Southampton in a £5 million deal from Lech Poznan back in 2017 and after a quiet first season, he then established himself as a first-choice centre-back.

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However, the 46-cap Poland international joined Aston Villa on a season-long loan deal in the summer after being deemed surplus to requirements by former manager Ralph Hasenhuttl.

The arrival of Armel Bella-Kotchap in the summer appeared to offset Bednarek’s departure adequately in the early stages of the season, but injury issues have limited the youngster’s playing time since.

Bednarek was recalled from Villa in January prematurely as a result, and the more experienced centre-back has become a key figure on the south coast once again.

After featuring from the off in the defeats to both Brentford and Wolves, the 6 foot 2 ace tasted victory against Chelsea last time out, and that display could be the beginning of his redemption arc at Southampton.

What has Jones said about Bednarek?

When asked about Bednarek’s potential influence and impact on Southampton, Jones told GMS that he has the potential to be a ‘really important player’.

“It's easy to point to him as a figure of fun because that's ultimately what he’s sadly become in a lot of his performances for Southampton.

“But in this one, I think he commanded a bit more respect, and I think that there’s something to build on here for him. He could be a massive player if he can really turn a corner here and focus. He could be a really important player.”

How did Bednarek play against Chelsea?

Southampton pulled off a shock 1-0 victory over Chelsea when they made the trip to Stamford Bridge in what was caretaker manager Ruben Selles’ first game at the helm.

And Bednarek played a pivotal part in the relegation-threatened side picking up all three points, as his underlying numbers show.

As per SofaScore, the 6 foot 2 ace made four tackles, blocked three shots, pulled off two clearances and won five of his eight duels in west London.

Bednarek, who is valued at £16m by Transfermarkt, showcased his true potential against Chelsea, and if he can maintain that level, then Southampton will have a much better chance of avoiding the drop.