Southampton Target Award Winning League One Star

Championship promotion winners Southampton, are reportedly interested in Peterborough United defender Ronnie Edwards.

The 21-year-old defender, was a key part of The Posh defence last season, as the club finished in the Sky Bet League 1 play off places, losing to Oxford United in the semi finals. The Saints, according to Alex Crook of Talksport, would be keen to gain the services of the League One Young Player of the Year.

Who is Ronnie Edwards?

The 185cm tall defender, came through the ranks of The Posh where he has gone onto make 142 appearances.

The defender during the 19/20 had a very brief loan spell at National League side Barnet, where he made two appearances, with one of those coming in the Qualifying round for the play-offs against Yeovil Town.

The defender had his breakthrough season, in The Championship where he made 34 appearances for the club a season which ultimately ended in relegation.

He is also capped at England U19 and England U20 level, and was part of the England U19 team that won the UEFA U19 Championship.

How did he perform last season?

Last season, Ronnie was one of the stand out young players in the division, playing in 47 out of The Posh’s 48 games during the League season.

Compared to other centre backs in the division last season, Ronnie was in the 98% percentile for successful passes per 90, the 80% percentile for tackles won per 90.

While not be the best in aerial duels won (40% percentile), the defender wins an impressive 74.1% of his tackles which in The Premier League would bode well, with clubs now favouring a more passing approach to direct. (Stats from fotmob)

What would he bring to Southampton?

Firstly, the style of football that Russell Martin plays would suit Ronnie.

The defender is extremely comfortable breaking the lines with his passes, into midfield, which will suit the way in which Southampton play with one of their full backs inverting into midfield.

With Southampton’s recruitment style last time they were in the Premier League with signings such as Gavin Bazunu, he would also fit the profile of young with a high potential, which the club could potentially look to sell on for a profit in a few years.

Would the step be too high for him? Possibly, but Ronnie has the qualities to adapt quickly, this being shown being put into The Posh team in the Championship, giving him his first proper taste of senior football.