Koeman Please by Hodgson decision

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman says that he is fully in support of the England national team boss Roy Hodgson selecting his fullbacks Ryan Bertrand and Nathaniel Clyne. The duo have been the star performers in the Premier league up until now. They have contributed much to the attacking potential of Southampton, which has seen them score an incredible 20 goals in the opening nine matches. In fact, Southampton are the second highest scorers in the division and are only four behind table leaders Chelsea. Ryan Bertrand is on a loan from Chelsea till the end of the season, but he is widely expected to convert the loan deal into a permanent one.

The full-back has been an understudy to the likes of Ashley Cole for a long time, but it became clear that manager Jose Mourinho did not see him as part of the plans even though he is one of the players to have lifted the Champions League title. Since his move to Southampton, the full-back has been getting regular game time and this has shot him in the limelight once again. Apart from scoring a goal, Bertrand has also contributed in numerous attacks. The same can be said of right back Clyne, who also has one goal to his name. Both fullbacks have featured in all league matches until now.

“Clyne was already selected in the squad, and now Ryan has had the opportunity to play, and every weekend here, which is what he missed in Chelsea. Ryan’s still a young player and the best way to develop is to play every weekend. I spoke to him about that, and both are full-backs that I like, because one is defending, but another, if you like to dominate and play offensively, you need attacking full-backs and I’m very happy about that,” said Koeman.