Southampton were dominant for the most part on Saturday, but one defender had to show his quality when Huddersfield had a spell on top.
Southampton had 78% of the ball against the Terriers but still endured spells of defending, particularly as they lost the control they of the game in the second half. Ultimately, the Saints succumbed to an 87th equaliser which cancelled out Adam Armstrong’s opener in first-half injury time.
Jan Bednarek returned to the backline despite Mason Holgate’s impressive performance last time out with Bednarek absent through suspension, but it was his centre-back partner that stood out against Huddersfield.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis was a defensive rock v Huddersfield
Despite being the junior player out of the defensive partnership, with Harwood-Bellis 21 and Bednarek 27, it was the youngster who gave an authoritative performance at the John Smith’s stadium.
This earned the man on loan from Manchester City a match rating of seven out of ten in the Daily Echo, with the performance described as: ‘Solid at the back. Dealt with Huddersfield’s counters time after time. Blocked a Thomas shot when the hosts were on top. Continues to impress.’
Perhaps it should come as no surprise that Harwood-Bellis has been so impressive given the imperious nature of the defender’s performances whilst on loan at Championship winners Burnley last season, but it is his consistency which is remarkable for a player so young.
He is also a real leader despite his tender years, with the centre-back constantly heard barking instructions to teammates many years his senior. The fact he is captain of a very successful England under-21 side no doubt helps with this; the youngster integral in England’s under-21 Euros trophy in the summer and a key part of the side not conceding a single goal all tournament.
Will Southampton sign Harwood-Bellis permanently?
Eyebrows were raised when Southampton secured the signing of Harwood-Bellis on loan for the season, with many assuming after an incredibly successful season – culminating in international glory in the summer – a Premier League move was the natural next step.
This did not prove to be the case, with Burnley perhaps priced out of a deal by Manchester City and other top flight clubs looking elsewhere. Those clubs’ loss is Southampton’s gain though, and the most astute part of the deal is that if Southampton secure promotion they have an obligation to sign Harwood-Bellis for £20 million.
This represents something of an all-or-nothing position that both club and player find themselves in. For both, it is essentially promotion or bust regarding whether Harwood-Bellis stays at Southampton permanently.
This is Harwood-Bellis’ fourth season out on loan, with spells at Blackburn Rovers, Anderlecht, Stoke City and Burnley, so he will be desperate to find a permanent home at Southampton. For Southampton, they have a real gem on their hands but is is almost impossible to envisage a scenario where they can sign the City academy graduate permanently if they remain a Championship club beyond this season.
One thing that is certain though, as long as Harwood-Bellis is in the Southampton backline they have a real chance of securing a return to the top flight this season.