FOLLOWING their 1-0 win against QPR, Saints have officially hit the halfway mark in the Championship season.

Russell Martin's side sit fourth in the division after 23 games - seven points outside the coveted automatic promotion spots.

Here's how we have assessed every Southampton player's season so far...

Gavin Bazunu

Irish shot-stopper Gavin Bazunu has featured in every league game for Saints this season - only missing their League Cup defeat to Gillingham.

While the goals prevented metric may suggest he has been a weak spot in Southampton's defence (the stats indicate he has conceded 4.2 goals more than he should have) Bazunu has been a reliable figure between the sticks.

His ease on the ball and pinpoint distribution has been the launch point for several Southampton chances, while we also can't forget his last-minute heroics at Preston North End. 

Alex McCarthy 

It was Alex McCarthy who started the previously mentioned cup defeat to League Two Gillingham back in August.

That remains as the 34 year old's only competitive appearance since Martin took over this summer.

McCarthy has been out of action since late November having suffered a minor injury - but did return to the travelling squad against QPR.

Joe Lumley

Signed to be Southampton's third-choice goalkeeper, Joe Lumley is still awaiting his first appearance in a Saints shirt.

The former QPR, Middlesborough and Reading goalkeeper has been named on the bench in recent weeks in McCarthy's absence.

Daily Echo:

Kyle Walker-Peters

Many supporters were left amazed that Kyle Walker-Peters remained at Saints beyond the summer transfer window.

His performances in the Championship this season have only furthered that feeling.

The two-time England international is the only outfield player to play every minute in the league this season.

Unsurprisingly, Walker-Peters has created the most big chances for Saints this season (seven).

James Bree

For a while, it looked as though James Bree's future at Southampton was in doubt.

The Wakefield-born defender had only featured twice (once in the Cup and a five-minute cameo) in the opening 10 games.

However, a suspension to Ryan Manning opened an opportunity for Bree to get back into the team - a chance he has taken, since going on to start seven games.

Daily Echo:

READ MORE: James Bree opens up on working his way back into Southampton lineup

Jack Stephens

Named club captain in the summer following the departure of James Ward-Prowse, Jack Stephens has only made six league appearances so far.

That has been due to an injury he suffered against QPR in gameweek four, which saw him miss 17 games.

That knock has seen him lose his starting spot to loan-signing Taylor Harwood-Bellis - although he did replace the England youth international when making his return against Blackburn.

Saints are unbeaten this season when Stephens has been on the pitch (five wins and one draw).

Taylor Harwood-Bellis

As mentioned, Taylor Harwood-Bellis has established himself as a key figure at the back while Stephens has been injured.

Signed on loan from Manchester City with an option to buy should Southampton get promoted to the Premier League, the 21 year old has become a fan favourite.

His willingness to throw his body in the way of the ball and his composure when passing out from defence has led to some fans calling on Saints to ink a permanent deal in January.

Mason Holgate

Another summer loan signing was Mason Holgate. Having arrived from Premier League outfit Everton, Holgate hasn't seen the same level of success that Harwood-Bellis has.

The 27 year old has only made five appearances this season and could be recalled by his parent club in January.

Holgate was named player of the match in Southampton's win over West Brom but hasn't featured since.

Jan Bednarek

Jan Bednarek has become a real leader for Southampton this season. He’s also formed a strong defensive partnership with Harwood-Bellis. 

Bednarek has attempted the fourth most passes in the Championship so far this season - a stat which clearly highlights how Martin wants his centre-backs to operate.

Ryan Manning

Having followed Martin from Swansea City in the summer on a free transfer, there was a lot of expectation placed on Ryan Manning's shoulders.

While the Irish defender has recorded two assists and ranks second for successful tackles per 90, Martin has admitted we are yet to see the best of Manning in a Saints shirt.

Manning has recently lost his starting spot to Bree for a second time this season - a move which has seen Walker-Peters switched over to the left side.

However, Bree’s injury could see Manning return to the starting line up when Saints face his former side, Swansea.

Juan Larios

Youngster Juan Larios has been plagued by injuries this season. The Spaniard was close to returning in September but suffered an injury setback.

Flynn Downes

In a very short space of time, Flynn Downes has established himself as a crucial component in Southampton's midfield.

Saints are noticeably weakened when the West Ham loanee isn't a part of the squad.

Downes combined ball-winning ability with his ability to dictate play from deep is key for Saints.

When compared to midfielders outside the top five leagues, Downes ranks in the 97th percentile for passes attempted per 90 minutes (77.64) and in the 99th percentile for pass accuracy (94.6 per cent).

Daily Echo:

Shea Charles

Signed from Manchester City in the summer, Shea Charles had to adjust to regular life in senior team football.

As one of the rare players whose senior team arrived on the international stage, rather than club football, Charles arrived with expectations.

He's done well to meet supporters' excitement and has drawn praise from Martin for his ability to learn things quickly.

He was sent off against QPR, but was credited for “taking one for the team” by Martin and Harwood-Bellis.

Will Smallbone

In addition to his solid midfield performances, Will Smallbone has popped up with three goals so far this season.

The Republic of Ireland international is enjoying his first proper season as a senior team player at Saints having come through the academy.

While he has suffered a few knocks, he has established himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet when available.

Joe Aribo

For the most part, Joe Aribo has been limited to bit-part substitute appearances this season.

However, his role has increased in recent weeks. Four of his five league starts have come in December (the other being in the 1-0 defeat to Ipswich.)

Somewhat surprisingly, Aribo has made the most tackles per 90 minutes at Southampton (2.5), a number which may be inflated due to his limited minutes.

Stuart Armstrong

Much like Smallbone, Stuart Armstrong has grabbed three goals, while also being arguably Southampton's most creative midfielder. 

Armstrong's sensational free-kick against Stoke City, which secured a 1-0 win, has been the brightest spot in a very good start to life under Martin - his former Scotland teammate.

The Scot is approaching the final six months of his Saints contract and could depart on a free transfer if he doesn't sign an extension.

Charly Alcaraz

A firm fan favourite, Charly Alcaraz is yet to match the heights of his first six months at St Mary's.

The Argentine midfielder has struggled to establish himself as a key member of Martin's team but has still chipped in with moments of brilliance.

His performances against West Brom and Leeds stand out as his best in the Championship to date.

Adam Armstrong

Adam Armstrong has undoubtedly been Southampton's stand-out attacker this season.

His 12 goals and seven assists is the highest tally at the club this season and has smashed his total at the club during his last two seasons.

More than his goals, Armstrong has typified the hard work Martin has demanded from his forwards by tracking back and playing in multiple different positions without complaint. 

Daily Echo:

Sam Edozie

Having been a regular at the start of the season, Sam Edozie has forced his way back into the team. 

That is despite the England youth international only playing 197 minutes between game week eight and game week 22.

Kamaldeen Sulemana

Kamaldeen Sulemana missed the early stages of the season before kickstarting his campaign with two assists against Leeds. 

The Ghanaian was just starting to get to grips with Martin’s tactics before suffering a hamstring injury.

That injury will rule him out of representing Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations. 

Ryan Fraser

The announcement of Ryan Fraser’s arrival at Southampton was met by indifference from supporters. 

The Scot has quickly won the fans over with his impact from the bench and willingness to work for the team. 

His late goals against Hull and Millwall have the potential to become iconic moments in a successful season. 

Sekou Mara

French forward Sekou Mara has had an up and down season so far. 

He failed to impress when given the chance early this season but has since provided an impact from the bench.

Reports in France have linked Mara to a move away, but that seems unlikely following Ross Stewart’s injury.

Daily Echo: Southmpton drew 1-1 with Rotherham

Che Adams

Che Adams’ failure to light up the Championship has been one of the bigger disappointments this season. 

He scored 22 goals the last time he played in the division and looked like a better forward than A Armstrong in the Premier League. 

However, that hasn’t translated into goals this season.

His four strikes to date is the second highest at the club, alongside Edozie.

Ross Stewart

Ross Stewart was signed on deadline day to boost Saints attacking options. Having arrived injured, the Scot worked tirelessly to return to full fitness.

His long-awaited debut arrived in November when he came on against West Brom before a second appearance followed against Huddersfield.

Unfortunately, Stewart suffered an injury setback during that game at the John's Smith Stadium and is not expected to return to the pitch again this season.

Tyler Dibling

Teenager Tyler Dibling made his senior team debut in Southampton's disappointing League Cup exit to Gillingham.

The 17 year old played just five minutes, but has since been a regular in first-team training and has sat on the bench in the Championship.

Dibling recently committed his future to Southampton by signing a new contract, extending his deal until at least 2026.

Sam Amo-Ameyaw

Much like Dibling, 17 year old Sam Amo-Ameyaw has established himself as a fixture in senior team training.

More than Dibling, Amo-Ameyaw has made a splash on the first team - having made four appearances in all competitions.

However, his last first-team game came against QPR in August.

Martin has given Amo-Ameyaw and Dibling the challenge of being "the best player" for the Under-21s in every game.