FanSided World Football
·21 January 2025
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Yahoo sportsFanSided World Football
·21 January 2025
Boss Ivan Juric has issued a latest verdict on Southampton duo, Ryan Fraser and Adam Lallana, explaining why the two don't play often.
Southampton's recent 3-2 loss to Nottingham Forest was the 5th consecutive one under Ivan Juric in the Premier League. Further, it was the third in a row where the Saints conceded three goals.
So far, the change of managers hasn't quite worked in Southampton's favor, with the club sensing a relegation soon.
But, while, Ivan Juric has failed to turn the results at St. Mary's, his arrival has surely changed the team dynamics. Under him, some like Sulemana and Onuachu are improving, but certain players have lost their places.
Such has been the case of attacker Ryan Fraser and club legend Alam Lallana.
Though not starters always, the duo had been an integral part of Russell Martin's system, previously. However, Juric's incoming has taken a toll on their game time, drastically.
Recently, boss Ivan Juric explained the anxiously awaited reason for the change. As per the 49-year-old, the abundance of players in their role has cost the duo, game-time.
As quoted by the Daily Echo, speaking about Ryan Fraser, Ivan Juric said: "I think that Fraser is a really good player. He worked hard. He plays in the same position as Sulemana, like Armstrong. That's what penalised him."
Speaking on similar lines for veteran Adam Lallana, Juric continued: "I have to make choices and if I put Will Smallbone and then Flynn Downes inside then there's no place for him."
As it stands, Ryan Fraser's last Premier League appearance dates back to early December. Interestingly, Adam Lallana's position isn't any better, though he has had appearances, he has had bare minutes in the end.
Only time will tell, how long Fraser and Lallana would take to win back their places, in case it happens. Till then, hoping just that whoever plays, gives his best for the Saints club.