Premier League Left-back of the Season: Ryan Bertrand

Brilliant Bertrand

There are not many more complete Premier League footballers than Ryan Bertrand.

In almost every game, he is the fifth furthest forward player on the pitch in the opposing half. He has provided the creativity to become Southampton’s joint-highest assisting player with four in the league. His threat to the opposition is evidenced by the fact he is his team’s joint-second most fouled player. Wh

The width he provides not only allows him to flourish individually, but also create gaps for other players. Nathan Redmond has been outstanding cutting in from the left wing over the previous month and deserves great credit for his form.

He himself however, has benefited from the width Bertrand provides, as well as his leadership qualities: “He’s always in my ear if I do something good or bad!” Redmond said of his teammate when talking to the Southampton website. “To have someone strong like behind me is a good feeling and you know defensively you have a little bit less to do. We’re building a strong relationship and it’s showing.”

His defensive qualities should not be underestimated, with intelligent positioning helping the Saints boast the best defensive record outside the top seven. There is little Bertrand cannot do.