Many people were quick to decide that Morgan Schneiderlin would leave last summer, in the midst of many of his top-name counterparts’ departures and the arrival of proposed new manager, Ronald Koeman. Rather fortunately for fans, and not to mention the career path of Schneiderlin himself, the Frenchman retained his resolute position in midfield, only to guide Southampton at points this season.
Indeed, the number four hasn’t always performed spectacularly for the south coast club, but Koeman has been dogged enough to eke out as much vigour and talent from his players. Schneiderlin has bagged three goals thus far, aiding Saints in their magical quest to the top four, but has not claimed any assists, which is perhaps a little poor from a man who had been so instrumental last season.
On paper, Schneiderlin might not have looked drastically keen to remain with Koeman and colleagues, but he has been a really sturdy character on the field since signing with Saints from Strasbourg back in 2008. Suffice to say, many avid Premier League followers had their suspicions as to whether Schneiderlin would be paraded for purchase during the January transfer window, but they were wrong. Sources divulged that Manchester United and Arsenal were rumoured to have interest in the French international, whilst Tottenham were potentially eager to bid back in the summer; Schneiderlin has definitely sparked intrigue within the division, and it’s not like Saints to be earning that sort of recognition.
Following injury, it seems that Schneiderlin is just glad to be back in training, irrespective of where he hangs his boots. However, I think his place is comfortable with Saints, especially as Koeman has been desperately fending off potential buyers with his rigid no-sale attitude. Schneiderlin is clearly a player with plenty to offer, and that sort of ethic within the major Premier League stakes is vital; his role within the backbone of the Saints midfield might have tapered off lately, but January onwards is certainly the time to make a stern comeback.
Although many now ponder whether Schneiderlin will wave goodbye this summer, it’s paramount to remember that offers from other clubs does not equate to easy success within a new team dynamic; a player has to gel with a team almost instantly, else their games could well be numbered, and regrets will certainly creep in. If Schneiderlin were to flee St. Mary’s, he too could end up like the Rickie Lamberts of the footballing world; nobody wants to be on the bench because there’s a bigger fish on the field. Remaining under Koeman’s fastidious leadership could ensure Schneiderlin an opportunity to break into the Champions League (well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves, of course), which is not guaranteed with any team, but could be far less attainable at another club that he does not mould with as well. Alternatively, Schneiderlin could take the chance and potentially flourish on the pitch with a different bunch, and make countless appearances in major European tournaments.
Whatever Morgan Schneiderlin decides to do in the summer, that’s if he even expresses a desire to leave, he will absolutely have to consider the benefits either way.
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