Southampton 3-2 Bordeaux: Pre-season player ratings

The match was 1-1 at half-time but Saints took a two-goal lead through excellent goals from Sam Amo-Ameyaw and Sekou Mara after the break.

Their French opposition staged a late onslaught despite the baking sun sapping energy and reduced the deficit, before hitting the post twice.

Saints boss Russell Martin took plenty of positives and things to work on from the outing - and this is how we rated the players... 

Saints started with a youthful XI bolstered by a strong defence (Image: Matt Watson / Southampton FC)

Starters (0-60')

Mat Lis - 5. 

Interesting performance development. Some really good early saves but collapsed after a poor bit of passing out. At fault for the second Bordeaux goal and got away with a couple.

James Bree - 6. 

Solid operator and ran into very few problems down his side. Seemed a bit reluctant to slide into midfield despite Martin's requests but meant there was no space against him. 

Taylor Harwood-Bellis - 7.

A lot of blocks and headers and was regularly involved defensively. Wore the armband and could see his leadership instructing Alcaraz. Nothing too surprising.

Nathan Wood - 7. 

Interesting performance to assess - clearly impressive passing through the lines. Sometimes a bit lacklustre but relationship is building with experienced players around him. 

Ryan Manning - 7.

Nicknamed 'Rhino' by the staff because he's strong in possession. Showed that today stepping into the middle and always keeping the ball. Did well.

Shea Charles - 7.

Thought he looked good at the base of the midfield. Uses his body well but does not do too much to make you notice positively or negatively. 

Charly Alcaraz - 6.

Some poor tackling in the middle and some moments of zero concentration in possession. Looked much better going forward and went close twice, with another goal ruled out for offside.

Tyler Dibling - 8. 

Man of the match contender for the second game in a row. Created the first goal with the cross and set up Mara for the third. Involved in everything and looks really confident. 

Sam Amo-Ameyaw - 8. 

Struggled to get into the game in the first half but his goal was magic, showing determination to track back and top quality to drive and finish. Well done on sticking at it.

Jay Robinson - 6. 

Started slowly and had some sloppy moments in possession, letting one roll out under his boot. Set up the opening goal and had a chance well saved in the second half, leading to a rebound. 

Sekou Mara - 7.

Good performance from Mara, in our opinion. Started fast with the press but sometimes lost that rhythm. Good movement with and without the ball and was in the right place to score.

Substitutes (60-90')

Kamaldeen Sulemana was among the second outfield team (Image: Matt Watson / Southampton FC)

Yukinari Sugawara - 6. 

Needed encouragement to get forward at the right times with Martin on his touchline but was top when he did. Delivered a top ball that nobody got on the end of. 

Charlie Taylor - 6.

Struggled defensively in a few moments but had really good passing range and was keen to play long when open, as he did against Eastleigh. Good signing I reckon.

Nat Boot - 6. 

The youngster his passing range right away by pinging a 30-yarder to Edozie. Did well in a one-versus-one down the left towards the end of the match.

Joe O'Brien-Whitmarsh - 5.

Struggled but not his fault at all as he was playing out of position at left-back due to the lack of defensive numbers. Good young player who we hope to see more of. 

Flynn Downes - 6.

Crunched into a player as revenge for a little kick on Smallbone and said something to the player afterwards. Captain material. Some decent defensive work but nothing to shout about. 

Will Smallbone - 7.

Started by hauling a man down in what should have been a booking but was a constant menace, making runs in behind the defence. Fired wide with a decent chance, though. 

Joe Aribo - 7. 

Similar effect to Smallbone but slightly less so, I would argue. Found some good space in the hole and was credited by Martin for adding aggression.

Kamaldeen Sulemana - 6.

Worked hard going both ways and was keen to make things happen but ultimately didn't have a huge impact. Not too much to comment on. 

Sam Edozie - 6.

Threatened in moments again - drove into the box and played a key ball to create chances for Armstrong and Aribo. Becoming fairly reliable. 

Adam Armstrong - 5.

Missed his only chance from inside the box and otherwise struggled to get into the game in 30 minutes. Beaten for the second goal. Nothing to be concerned by though.