Despite some impressive displays this season, Carlos Alcaraz is finding his opportunities limited, having started just one of Southampton’s last seven Championship games.
It was a game the Argentine midfielder scored in, as well as being Southampton‘s best player on the night as they beat Plymouth Argyle 2-1 in the last game of 2023. However, Alcaraz was not introduced until the 90th minute in the next game against Norwich City even with his side needing a goal to take all three points.
In a heavily rotated side for the 4-0 FA Cup win over Walsall last weekend, Alcaraz – known by teammates simply as ‘Charly’ – was again influential as he constantly threatened from his midfield position and provided two assists. In Saturday’s league win by the same scoreline over Sheffield Wednesday, the 20-year-old again had to settle for a spot on the bench despite impressing in the previous game and did not enter proceedings until the 77th minute.
Southampton were already 3-0 up at that stage, with goals from Che Adams – whose future is uncertain – Adam Armstrong and a third in two games from Newcastle United loanee Ryan Fraser.
Signed from Argentine side Racing Club in January for £12.3 million, Alcaraz was one of the few bright sparks in the second half of last season, scoring four goals and providing two assists as a struggling Southampton side were relegated from the Premier League.
It was felt that if Southampton managed to keep hold of the youngster then he would be a key player this season, but Alcaraz has started less than half of the Championship games under Russell Martin.
With the imminent signing of Joe Rothwell set to be announced on loan from Bournemouth, there is now another body in a congested midfield for Alcaraz to compete with for a place, but Martin has been talking up Alcaraz’ importance.
What has Russell Martin said on Carlos Alcaraz
Alcaraz has scored four goals and registered three assists in all competitions this season and Martin has described the man called up to the Argentina squad last international break as a “fantastic young talent with huge potential”.
The problem, according to Martin, is the player he is competing with in order to start in his strongest position, with the Southampton manager explaining that: “His (Alcaraz’) best position is probably the same as one of our best players, Stuart Armstrong, so it is really difficult”.
Stuart Armstrong has been one of Southampton’s key players this season and is a great example for Alcaraz to learn from. Flynn Downes is the first choice holding midfield player and, with Armstrong taking up the left centre midfield spot, it tends to be between Will Smallbone and Shea Charles for the third spot in the three-man midfield.
Due to Alcaraz’ attacking style, it is difficult to envisage a scenario where Martin opts to play both him and Armstrong in the midfield, given that the Scotland international tends to operate as the most attacking of the midfield trio. This is not to say that the two cannot play in the same side though, as they have done plenty of times.
This is because of Alcaraz’ versatility and ability to play in a range of attacking positions. Whilst at times this may mean it is difficult to tie down one position in the side, this is a real asset that Alcaraz possesses, with Martin explaining that: “He can play as a wide man, as a false nine, and as a number eight as well but it is about balance and chemistry when you pick a team”.
The ex-Swansea City boss went on to say: “Charly will continue to be a big player for us but you can be a big player and not start every game, especially as a 20 year old.
“He is still getting to grips with the language but he is improving quickly with the effort he is putting in and that is fantastic”.
“It is never a linear thing with young players, they have ups and downs in the season – I know there is a lot of expectation with him”.
Pressure is not something Alcaraz shies away from, with the midfielder a player who loves to take responsibility and be the one to make the difference. Given his age, time is on the Argentine’s side but he will be determined to get himself back into the team and have a big say in the club’s promotion charge.