Sport Republic spent the summer trying to assemble Russell Martin a squad of players capable of keeping Southampton in the Premier League.
Southampton signed 14 first-team players, with one of the most significant pieces of their summer business perhaps being keeping Kyle Walker-Peters at the club amid interest from West Ham and Tottenham.
Russell Martin has kept the core of the side that got Southampton promoted together and placed his faith in those players in the first three games of the season despite the influx of arrivals.
However, after three defeats from three since returning to the Premier League this is expected to change against Manchester United in the first match after the international break, with a shake up of the side.
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Nine of the starting XI that played the first two games of the season – 1-0 defeats to Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest – were at the club last season, with eight in the last game against Brentford.
Tony Cascarino believes Aaron Ramsdale is Southampton’s key man
The only change from the first two Premier League games of the season in the 3-1 loss against Brentford was that Aaron Ramsdale took over from Alex McCarthy in goal.
Ramsdale had only arrived at the club the previous day, as Southampton agreed to pay Arsenal up to £25 million for the England international.
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McCarthy’s struggles in the early weeks of the season highlighted just how important it was to secure an upgrade in goal and in Ramsdale they have secured a significant one.
Tony Cascarino certainly believes this to be the case, as he explained that he feels Ramsdale has instantly become Southampton’s “most important player”, saying on TalkSPORT (9:15am, Sunday): “Now, I am not sure how easy it is going to be for Aaron Ramsdale settling in at Southampton because they concede a lot of chances.
“They can dominate a game with possession, look good, but they are conceding too many chances.
“Ramsdale, to me is their most important player and that’s why they have spent such a big fee on him, it’s going to be how Aaron Ramsdale does.
“If he is indifferent, I think they will definitely go [down]. I think he is going to have to be brilliant for them this year.”
Ramsdale could replace Flynn Downes as Southampton’s main man
Despite all of the signings this summer, it could be argued that prior to Ramsdale’s Deadline Day arrival Flynn Downes was the most crucial deal.
Downes was imperious as he spent last season on loan at Southampton from West Ham and securing his permanent arrival was Martin’s top priority this summer.
The Saints did that as they paid West Ham £18 million for the midfielder, with the role he plays at the base of Martin’s midfield so crucial to how Southampton look to play.
Having not been given a fair crack at boyhood club West Ham after signing in 2022, Downes will be desperate to prove he can cut it in the Premier League.
If the 25-year-old can recreate last season’s form in the top flight then he and Ramsdale will both be key to the Saints’ hopes of survival this season.