SAINTS concluded their first pre-season under new manager Russell Martin with a 0-1 defeat to Dutch Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar.

Mayckel Lahdo scored the only goal of the game as Martin’s side struggled to create against the Europa Conference League opponents.

Although they were mostly limited to shots from outside the box or blocked well at the last minute, they looked solid defensively compared to previous outings.

With Sheffield Wednesday on the road to kick off the Championship season less than a week away, here is how we rated Southampton’s stars at St Mary’s. 

Gavin Bazunu – 6.

Will have been disappointed not to prevent the only goal of the game. Looked good with the ball at his feet and started a few counter-attacks with his quick distribution.

Tino Livramento – 6.

Looked comfortable under pressure with the ball in his own half. Didn’t contribute too much to the attack. Appeared to limp off at half-time.

Jack Stephens – 6.

Booked for a cynical foul on Vangelis Pavlidis early in the first half. Went close to scoring an equaliser just after the break.

Shea Charles – 7.

Started as a centre-back once again and looked much more comfortable than he did against AFC Bournemouth. Also went close to scoring after half time.

Ryan Manning – 6.

Didn’t do anything wrong, but also didn’t contribute much to the attack. Was part of a good defensive unit and got fans off their feet with a good roulette.

Will Smallbone – 6.

Sprayed some good passes out to Edozie and contributed to Southampton’s robust defensive performance.

James Ward-Prowse – 7.

A solid performance on his return to St Mary's. Received a standing ovation from the home crowd when he was replaced by Romeo Lavia late in the second half. Could be one of his final appearances for Saints. 

Nathan Tella – 6.

Overran the ball after he pinched it from AZ’s last man and wasted a chance to score. Was cut down before he cut could shoot from a dangerous position.

Charly Alcaraz – 7.

The creative heartbeat for Saints during the first half. Confident to shoot when in the final third, but could have looked to pass rather than shoot on occasion.

Samuel Edozie – 7.

Saints' main outlet in the first half. Had the better of his opposing full-back and successfully breached the AZ backline, but was unable to link up with Saints other attackers when in dangerous areas.

Adam Armstrong – 6.

Willing to put in the defensive yards. Brilliantly drove the length of the pitch before feeding Tella into a dangerous area.

Substitutes

Kyle Walker-Peters – 5.

Struggled to get into the game after coming on as a half time substitute. Was beaten for AZ’s goal.

Sam Amo-Ameyaw – 6.

Didn’t have too much time to make an impact but made a good pass to set up Smallbone’s late chance.

Lyanco – N/A

Had little to do when he came onto the field. Did square up to an AZ forward in the dying moments of the game.

James Bree – N/A

Only came on with six minutes left of regular time. Didn’t have much to do.

Che Adams – N/A

Failed to trouble the opposition defenders after coming on a second half sub.