Ralph Hasenhuttl has done a fantastic job to transform Southampton’s season and now Kyle Walker-Peters has given another glowing endorsement of his management ability, suggesting he was surprised to know that the Austrian almost knew him better than he knew himself.
What did he say?
The right-back joined Southampton on loan until the end of the current campaign in January, amid interest from Crystal Palace at the same time.
He also had the option to remain at Tottenham and fight for his place in North London, or at least act as the back-up to Serge Aurier as the only other natural senior right-back in the squad.
However, in order to further his career by getting minutes on the pitch he decided to move to the Saints, but it is very possible that he could have stayed in London if not for Hasenhuttl.
Speaking about why he joined, the £9m-rated player listed more that one reason, but it was clear from his comments that the Austrian was the most influential factor.
Speaking to the Daily Echo, Walker-Peters said:
“[It was] The style of play and the manager. I spoke to him before I came, and he almost knew me better than I knew me which shows his interest in me.
“For him to take the time to call me was enough for me. I didn’t know he was picky so that makes me even happier.
“He knows what I’m good at and what type of player I am. I think his style complements me.”
Lack of game time
Southampton bringing in Walker-Peters, even on loan, was a positive move as he has the ability to improve the current team, and familiarising him with the club increases the chances of signing him on a permanent basis.
His five appearances for Spurs this term show he is currently out of favour, but with a bright future ahead of him the south-coast club could, and perhaps should be pursuing a deal to keep him at the club beyond the current campaign.
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Mauricio Pochettino stated earlier this season that he had trust in the defender, which underlines his potential, yet Hasenhuttl has played him just once out of a possible four games, and that risks alienating the player.
His aim in making the loan move was probably to appear on the pitch more often, yet James Ward-Prowse has been preferred over him recently even though it means the midfielder is playing out of position.
Where is he from?! Can you name which obscure countries these famous players have represented?
Such a lack of faith could lead to disillusionment for Walker-Peters, and all the good work Hasenhuttl did to bring him in is in danger of going to waste.
Elsewhere, Saints fans have been reacting to an interesting development regarding a popular former player…