Southampton's season so far has been much underwhelming than they had expected it to be. Still searching for their first win, after the five fixtures and having a single point, Southampton currently finds itself in the potential relegation zone. This far, Southampton boss Russell Martin has tried much, bringing some changes, which did improve the squad a bit, but his search for the win is still on.

However, considering their upcoming fixture is against Bournemouth, against whom they hold excellent past records, Martin won't hesitate to make some tough decisions. One such issue has been deciding the pecking order for the left-back role between veteran Charlie Taylor and seasoned star Kyle Walker. While Taylor has looked better, keeping Walker might be difficult, and thus the question arises, Who should start in the left-back role—Kyle Peters or Charlie Taylor?

Yukinari Suguwara's emergence in the right-back role, being one of the most consistent players for Martin's side, has created issues for Walker-Peters, who has been one of the seasoned stars of the club. Moreover, the recent performance of Charlie Taylor, who was initially brought in to give a rather balanced feel being a conventional left-footed left back, has been excellent, questioning Walker-Peters' place in the playing XI.

However, as has Russell Martin's ideology for success been, he didn't fear to put one of his best players on the bench, considering much stability in the Suguwara-Taylor wingback duo. Also, with such a brilliant 3-point opportunity coming their way against Bournemouth, chances are rare he would change this setup.

While speaking on his decision to drop Walker-Peters on the bench, Martin was much clearer as he said,

“On Tuesday, I told the guys that they need to put in a performance that can put them in the team on the weekend. I thought Charlie did that. With a natural left-footer on that side, I think it gives us a different option there with more balance."

Moreover, mentioning that the 27-year-old needs to put up a fight back to find a place again, Martin has made it clear enough that he would be going with Charlie Taylor for the fixture. Although it keeps putting a star player out of the lineup, Russell Martin and the Saints club would be significantly happy if they manage to get the complete 3 points against Bournemouth.

Southampton Boss Russell Martin Confirms Kyle Walker-Peters' Absence Was Not Due to Contract Dispute

Amidst speculation surrounding Kyle Walker-Peters' absence from Southampton's recent match against Ipswich, manager Russell Martin has quelled any doubts regarding a potential contract dispute being the reason for his exclusion.

Martin emphasized that the decision to bench Walker-Peters was solely based on tactical considerations, stating, "“On Tuesday, I told the guys that they need to put in a performance that can put them in the team on the weekend. I thought Charlie did that. With a natural left-footer on that side, I think it gives us a different option there with more balance.""

Walker-Peters, who is in the final year of his contract at Southampton, has attracted interest from other clubs in the past, fueling speculation about a possible departure. However, Martin has unequivocally stated that Walker-Peters' contract situation played no role in his benching. This assertion aligns with Martin's previous comments regarding Che Adams and Stuart Armstrong, who also departed Southampton on free transfers at the end of the season. Martin emphasized that contract negotiations would never hinder his selection process, highlighting that his primary focus is on fielding the best possible team to win games.

Walker-Peters' exclusion from the starting lineup against Ipswich was a surprise to many, considering his consistent performances for Southampton in recent seasons. His absence sparked discussions among fans and pundits, with some speculating that it could be linked to his contract situation. However, Martin's clear explanation puts these speculations to rest.

The Future of Walker-Peters at Southampton

Despite Walker-Peters' contract expiring at the end of the season, Martin has expressed his confidence in the player's commitment to the club. He stated that Walker-Peters is "ready to play" and "understands" the reasons behind his recent exclusion. While the possibility of Walker-Peters signing a new deal remains uncertain, Martin's comments suggest that the contract situation is not a pressing concern at this point.

While the Saints boss emphasizes that his primary objective is to win games and have the best players on the pitch, the upcoming fixtures will be crucial in determining Walker-Peters' future at the club. With Bournemouth and Arsenal on the horizon, Walker-Peters will have the opportunity to showcase his abilities and potentially earn his place back in the starting lineup. His performances in these crucial matches will undoubtedly have a significant impact on both his immediate future at Southampton and his overall career trajectory.

This news comes as Southampton prepares to face Bournemouth in an away fixture in the Premier League. The Saints, currently sitting joint-bottom of the table with one point from their opening five games, will be looking for their first win of the season. The upcoming fixture against Bournemouth presents a golden opportunity for the Saints to turn their fortunes around, and Walker-Peters' potential return to the starting lineup could be a crucial factor in their quest for victory.