Redmond adds to threat of Southampton

In their must-win match at Everton on Saturday, Southampton need a positive approach and Nathan Redmond will be an important part of that.

In Saints' 2-1 win at home to AFC Bournemouth last weekend, Redmond impressed on his first start in five matches.

I will be surprised if Mark Hughes changes his tactics of Dusan Tadic and Redmond in support of Charlie Austin.

Strong creativity

Redmond is excellent at linking between midfield and attack by dribbling into advanced areas. 

The creativity he brings to the side is important.

Operating primarily on the left, where he combines with Ryan Bertrand, he stretches opponents before laying on chances.

He has only started 57 per cent of Southampton’s PL matches but is their second-most prolific chance creator from open play. 

Most open-play chances created 

Areas to improve

Scoring and crossing are two areas where Redmond could improve.

The 24-year-old is waiting for a first goal from 39 shots this season, the most of any Southampton player.

The only player in the Premier League to have had more shots without scoring is Wilfred Ndidi, failing with 41 efforts.

Also, only seven of his 41 crosses have reached a team-mate. But that is not his primary focus.

He is at his most dangerous when cutting inside from the left on to his right foot.

From there, he likes to slip passes behind defenders for team-mates to run on to.

This perhaps explains why Tadic and Mario Lemina have been the main beneficiaries of opportunities made by Redmond, rather than forwards.

Players set up by Redmond

Redmond is second only to Tadic in opening up rivals. His direct approach will set the right tempo and worry Everton on the break.

His duel with Seamus Coleman is one to keep a close eye on and his eye for a pass could make the difference in this crunch match.

Tomorrow: Tireless Milner the man to trouble Chelsea

Also in this series

Part 1: Rice impressing with 'clean' art of defending