The Athletic’s Dan Sheldon has revealed that he was ‘disappointed’ by Ralph Hasenhuttl’s decision to drop Ibrahima Diallo in favour of James Ward-Prowse.
After the Southampton captain picked up a red card against Chelsea, Diallo was trusted to fill his spot in the team during the following two Premier League outings – games which saw Southampton pick up a win and a draw.
However, after serving his three-game suspension, Ward-Prowse returned to the midfield ahead of his French teammate as Southampton beat Watford 1-0.
Was it harsh of Ralph Hasenhuttl to drop Ibrahima Diallo?
Yes
No
Taking into account the recent performances of Diallo, Sheldon has said it would have been a ‘massive call’ for Hasenhuttl to not start Ward-Prowse, but it would have sent a ‘big message’, too.
While speaking on the Total Saints podcast, he explained: “I was disappointed that Diallo didn’t start. I was really kind of mixed about the whole Prowsey/Diallo thing.
“It’s a really weird one with Prowsey because he embodies – like, if you speak to all the players, and they’re like: ‘He just is Mr. Southampton’ – and he embodies everything that Ralph wants from a player on the pitch.
“But I don’t think that should necessarily guarantee you a starting spot. But it would have been a massive call, a massive, massive call for Ralph to drop a player that he hasn’t dropped in god knows how long in the league, who was also his captain.
“It would be a big message, wouldn’t it?”
TIF Thoughts on Ibrahima Diallo, James Ward-Prowse and Southampton…
Before Diallo made his first league start of the season, Southampton had yet to win a Premier League game. His introduction has sparked a change in form to the side, who have now won two and drawn one since.
Despite this, it’s clear just how much faith Hasenhuttl has in his English midfield captain. Before Ward-Prowse’s red card, he had appeared in 102 consecutive matches in the league for the club.
And regardless of the club’s improved form without him, the 27-year-old came straight back into the team at the expense of Diallo.
It certainly would have been a big decision to leave Ward-Prowse out of the team. But what sort of message does it send to players like Diallo who don’t get rewarded for their strong performances?
In the end, though, as long as Southampton win as they did at the weekend, it’s hard to argue with Hasenhuttl’s decision.
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