It has been a really tough start to life in the Premier League for Southampton under Russell Martin.
Southampton have taken just one point from a possible 21, losing six games and drawing one in the Premier League.
Russell Martin has had the unenviable task of trying to find the right combination of players form a large Southampton squad that welcomed 14 first-team signings in the summer.
The evidence suggests he is yet to find the winning formula and those 14 signings have endured mixed fortunes since arriving at St Mary’s.
With that that in mind, we’ve decided to grade all of the summer signings.
Grading Southampton’s summer signings
Taylor Harwood Bellis – 7
Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ loan at Southampton was made permanent following promotion and many expected him to take to the Premier League like a duck to water.
After a difficult start, Harwood-Bellis has started to show his quality at the top level and will only get better at 22.
Flynn Downes – 7.5
Flynn Downes was Martin’s number one priority this summer after being pivotal whilst on loan last season and he got his man for £18 million.
Like Harwood-Bellis, a mixed start to the season but integral to how the Saints play and starting to show he can make an impact on the Premier League.
Ryan Fraser – 2
Ryan Fraser is the third of the players on loan last season that secured permanent move this summer but is arguably a signing Southampton did not need to make.
An experienced player who helped largely off the bench last season, Fraser is not good enough to make a difference in the Premier League and it is baffling that Martin insists on starting the 30-year-old.
Aaron Ramsdale – 8
Addressing the goalkeeper position was crucial for Southampton in the summer and they did so in emphatic fashion by securing a £25 million deal for England international Aaron Ramsdale.
Has been very unfortunate to concede ten goals in four matches but has made countless brilliant saves since arriving.
A huge upgrade on Martin’s other options in goal and will have a huge part to play this season.
Yukinari Sugawara – 9
Southampton spent £6 million to sign Yukinari Sugawara from AZ Alkmaar in the summer and he has been the best of the 14 signings.
The Japan international’s last two displays have been a little underwhelming but Sugawara has started every game and has been a revelation in the opening months of the season with his endless energy and desire to get forward.
Has also scored one of the Saints’ four league goals this season.
Ronnie Edwards – 4
Southampton delved into the EFL to sign Ronnie Edwards from Peterborough United in the summer.
One for the future and yet to make a Premier League matchday squad but Saints needed players ready to hit the ground running.
Nathan Wood – 4
Nathan Wood is in a similar situation to Edwards in that he as come for a small fee from the EFL but has yet to really feature.
Charlie Taylor – 6
Charlie Taylor arrived for free this summer and brings experience of many a Premier League relegation battle at Burnley.
A safe pair of hands, Taylor has already shown he can be an asset at left-back.
Lesley Ugochukwu – 5
There was much excitement when the Saints secured a season-long loan deal for Lesley Ugochuwku from Chelsea but, bar a decent first league start against Manchester United, he has looked off the pace.
Martin needs the midfielder to get up to speed quickly or it could prove a wasted loan for all parties.
Adam Lallana – 6
Fans were divided when 36-year-old Adam Lallana returned for free in the summer but they were soon won over as soon as he first graced the pitch against Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup.
Score would be much higher but his involvement has been very much limited due to Martin trying to manage the veteran’s game time.
Mateus Fernandes – 7
Southampton paid Sporting £15 million to sign Mateus Fernandes and the Portugal under-21 international looks a really exciting talent.
Fernandes buzzes around the midfield and always looks to make things happen. Should be a good signing.
Ben Brereton Diaz – 3
Having scored against Lazio in his first start of pre-season, Southampton fans were excited about what Ben Brereton Diaz could do going into the season.
However, the forward has been really poor and lacked any quality in the final third in a worrying start.
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Cameron Archer – 5
Cameron Archer scored his first league goal for Southampton against Arsenal last time out and that goal should do him the world of good.
Has looked the liveliest of Martin’s strikers but has missed some big chances, including a penalty against Manchester United.
Maxwel Cornet – 4
Maxwel Cornet arrived on Deadline Day on loan from West Ham to add some flair in the final third.
Is yet to do that but it is very early days and Martin will hope he can play a bigger role moving forward.