Southampton’s second signing of the current transfer period has materialised in the form of one Portuguese youngster: Cédric Soares. Following their exciting penning of Spanish starlet, Juanmi, Ronald Koeman has tactically afforded his club a 23-year-old of the same nationality as the tirelessly inspirational Cristiano Ronaldo. So, how much of an impact might we predict that this new St. Mary’s resident will make?
Cédric Soares’s senior career for his national team, Portugal, only burst into action last year; although he is only fairly fresh into his twenties, he has had much experience with former club, Sporting Lisbon, throughout his youth campaign and senior spell. This sort of switch to an upcoming (can I say that? I feel at liberty to promote Saints as that sort of team) Premier League side is possibly exactly what a chap of such tender age and status needs in order to boost their résumé. However, despite the fact that Saints can offer Soares the opportunity to play some top calibre football in a very exhilarating, volatile division, I do wonder what it is precisely that he can give in return.
Since Soares’ senior career sparked in 2010, he has tallied 67 appearances; this does not strike me as a figure particularly appealing. However, he did spend the 2011/12 season on loan with another Portuguese club, Académica, during which time he made 24 appearances – perhaps a slightly better number. I suppose that, despite what appear fairly low denominations, we should anticipate that Soares will be a more regiment player on the pitch under Koeman’s leadership. We also must remember that the dazzling Dutchman who snatched the managerial reins last summer didn’t steer us too wrong; this could be yet another storming season, or perhaps an even more prosperous one. We shall see.
Given the departure of Nathaniel Clyne (which has actually gone through, officially, now) and his presence between defence and midfield last season, Soares’s skillset should mesh well with what Saints will now lack without Clyne. Although Ryan Bertrand’s place is still unsettled, Soares will be well suited with the other players around the right-back region for the red and white stripes. It sounds very much as though he will be positioned nicely and could well be as instrumental as he has in past matches both for ex-club and country. However, I was concerned to read that he was sent off in under 15 minutes of gameplay during the final of last season’s Portuguese Cup; Saints could really do without the hassle of a fiery-tempered gent along the back row, so hopefully he won’t be one for much malpractice.
Cédric Soares has expressed his desires to do well with Southampton, and has noticed the gravity of the club; it’s great to see that so many emergent talents recognise the magnitude of the Premier League and the teams that pursue the top ranks and actually progress well – especially as I read that Soares was briefly linked to Arsenal. Saints really are a squad with much to offer, though, and showed a wealth of exuberance when last season commenced.
From what internet research indicates, Soares is another player seeking a profitable future, irrespective of some moulding that he might require. So, if he can mop up in a style somewhat similarly to Clyne, then Saints might just be safe at the back. Welcome, Cédric Soares.
