Southampton have so far struggled with the step up to the Premier League since promotion via the Championship play-offs last season.
The last couple of months have been Russell Martin’s first experience of the Premier League as a manager and he will have learned a lot as Southampton have picked up just one point from seven matches.
Despite overhauling the playing style alongside earning promotion last season, Martin is already starting to come under pressure as Southampton manager given the ruthless nature of football.
Owners Sport Republic made Martin 14 first-team signings in the summer in an attempt to get his squad Premier League ready and there have been mixed levels of success.
- READ MORE: How Russell Martin summer signing has already become a ‘big’ figure in the Southampton dressing room
Worryingly, though, a number of players who helped earn promotion last season have shown they may not be capable of making the step up to the top flight.
With that in mind, here are three Southampton players who were at the club last campaign who have simply not been good enough.
Adam Armstrong struggling for Southampton
Southampton spent £15 million to sign Adam Armstrong in summer 2021 after a prolific season for Blackburn Rovers in the Championship.
It did not work out for Armstrong in his first Premier League spell at the Saints as he scored just four league goals in two years before relegation in 2023.
The striker regained his confidence as he provided 37 goal contributions in the Championship last season and was the Wembley hero as he scored the winner in the play-off final against Leeds United.
However, fears regarding Armstrong’s ability to deliver in the Premier League have been exacerbated by his start to the season and he now finds himself way down the pecking order after starting the first three league matches.
- READ MORE: Darren Bent delivers his verdict on Southampton forward Adam Armstrong amid ‘unfair’ criticism
Will Smallbone should not be Southampton starter
Will Smallbone was another who started the first three league matches of the new season but the Irish midfielder has found himself out of the side due to injury rather than through a decision made by Martin.
Smallbone has been absent since the last international break but would likely have been a victim of Martin shaking things up after three losses in the opening three games regardless.
Martin has made no secret of the fact he is a big fan of Smallbone but there are real doubts over whether the 24-year-old has the physicality or athleticism to succeed in a Premier League midfield.
Another who was key last season, it could be a long time before we see Smallbone back in the Saints starting XI once he returns to fitness after really struggling to adapt to the top flight.
Ryan Fraser no longer Premier League quality
Ryan Fraser is another who spent last season at St Mary’s and Martin finally got his man as Southampton made the move permanent on Deadline Day.
Fraser revived his career at Southampton last season after being frozen out at Newcastle United, but his biggest impact often came off the bench.
An experienced player, Fraser was also important in the dressing room meaning many saw signing the 30-year-old as sensible this summer as a rotation player.
However, it has become clear since Fraser arrived permanently that Martin views the winger as a starter and this simply cannot be the case if Southampton are to stay in the Premier League.
Fraser has lost his pace and struggles to beat his man, with the only thing elevating him above Martin’s other options being his defensive work.
Should Martin persevere with Fraser in the starting XI it will be a real worry.