Some Southampton fans aren’t holding back from praising Jack Stephens’ performance in the club’s 3-2 loss to Tottenham in the FA Cup.
Stephens, who had scored an unfortunate own-goal, started the FA Cup fourth-round game at centre-back before moving to right-back after James Ward-Prowse was taken off due to injury. The game saw Spurs score two late goals through Lucas Moura and Heung-Min Son to win 3-2 and set up a fifth-round clash against Norwich City.
Who is better: Stephens or Bednarek?
Stephens, no question
Has to be Jan
Some Southampton fans admired Stephens’ performance. They have huge praise for the English defender.
Captain material
— ed (@_edwardcross18) February 5, 2020
I love that he’s come good. Always admired his never say die attitude. Passionate too.
— Andrew Leakey (@AndrewLeakey57) February 6, 2020
Jack Stephens is the Cornish Maldini #saintsfc
— Jordan (@JordiMurray) February 5, 2020
Jack Stephens was unbelievable last night and has been brilliant for a while imo #SaintsFC
— Greg (@g8egd) February 6, 2020
Stephens, where has this form come from? He’s been fantastic #SaintsFC
— Lee Myers (@leemyersSfc) February 5, 2020
Summed up my thoughts exactly, he has really grown and matured this season into an excellent CB
— Ian Thompson (@ianthompson08) February 5, 2020
Agree fully. Did a solid job at RB in second half too. Own goal wasn’t his fault.
— Aaron James (@aaronjamesf1) February 5, 2020
Stephens and Bednarek had the best first half of their #saintsfc career imo
— Matt (@Matt_lee_mac) February 5, 2020
So far this season, Stephens has been a regular at the back for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men. He has made 20 appearances in all competitions, also racking up two goals and picking up three assists. 17 of his appearances have come in the Premier League.
What do we think?
The 26-year-old has won 1.8 tackles per game in the league this season, also making one interception per game for the Saints. Stephens also completes 4.4 clearances per game – the second-most at Southampton.
Meanwhile, he gets dribbled past only 0.8 times per game – less often than fellow centre-backs Jannik Vestergaard and Jan Bednarek. It shows how important he has been this season.