Southampton’s full focus is on chasing promotion back to the Premier League, but in the back of Russell Martin’s mind will be resolving the futures of his first-team stars.
Southampton secured a crucial 4-2 victory over Sunderland on Saturday afternoon to move to within six points of second place Leeds United with a game in hand.
The Saints are still in a decent position to make it back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, but with a strong pace being set at the top, Russell Martin’s men can ill-afford to slip up.
During this campaign, several players have starred for the South Coast club, including the electric Adam Armstrong, the energy of Kyle Walker-Peters down the right flank while Stuart Armstrong has impressed in midfield.
Stuart Armstrong’s Championship statistics
Armstrong has shown incredible athleticism and dynamism from the engine room throughout this season.
The 31-year-old drives their midfield forward with his ability to carry the ball and deliver quality in the final third.
Including four goals and six assists, the Scotsman has also demonstrated he’s a class above the rest of his positional peers in the Championship.
As highlighted by FBref, Armstrong ranks in the top 3% for progressive passes, top 7% for touches (att pen), top 9% for shot-creating actions and top 11% for progressive carries.
The “magnificent” midfield machine, as hailed by journalist Dan Hargreaves, is instrumental to Southampton’s ability to create chances centrally.
Armstrong’s importance is also underlined by the fact he’s been ever-present for Martin this term and has yet to miss a single game in the Championship.
While many will credit Adam Armstrong for the goals he’s scored, his midfield namesake equally deserves his flowers and a new contract at the club.
Why Stuart Armstrong deserves a new contract
Armstrong sees his contract at St Mary’s expire in the summer, and the Saints would be foolish not to renew terms.
Some still think that the Scotland international can play in the top flight and throughout their relegation campaign last term, he was a rare shining light.
After dropping into the Championship, instead of jumping ship like some of his teammates, he showed true professionalism and class to stay at the club.
With that being said, the energetic midfielder deserves a new contract to reward the loyalty and quality he’s shown across his six years on the South Coast.
Not only is he a fan favourite among most Southampton supporters, he wouldn’t be short of offers from Premier League clubs, and that is a telling sign to put a contract offer on the table.